Jedburgh

Although not the largest of Burghs, Jedburgh (population c4000) is Roxburghshire's county town and only Royal Burgh. Lying a few miles north of the Border crossing point at Carter Bar it is the first stop for visitors who are greeted by the striking vista of Jedburgh Abbey, regarded by many as the finest of the Borders four abbeys. Jedburgh Castle, which stood on the site now occupied by the recently-refurbished Jedburgh Castle Jail was one of five fortresses ceded to England in 1174 to provide the security for the ransom of William of Lyon. It was later the scene of Malcolm the IV's death in 1195.
Jedburgh enjoyed a fearsome reputation from their English enemies during cross-border raids when they wielded their famous "Jethart Axes." Today, in more peaceful times, the town's beautiful setting is popular with visitors wanting to see where Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed, Mary Queen of Scots House, museum and gardens, Castle Jail and Piper's House in Duck Row and 16th century Canongate Brig. Waterside Fitness Centre at Oxnam Road is open seven days and has a 25m swimming pool with inflatable fun sessions, steam room, sauna, two fast-tan sunbeds and fully equipped fitness suite. The main event on the calendar is the Jethart Callant's Festival and Games held at the start of July each year. Sample "Jethart Snails" a local brown mint-flavoured boiled sweet said to have been introduced to the town by Napoleonic prisoners of war held in the Castle Jail.