Guardian Of The Ice-House or Abbotsford Gargoyle

Day of cultural learning joining our retired members on their annual outing.

The (democratic) vote this year went to Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford, set in a peaceful location in the Borders.

The Queen was here at the start of July to re-open the house after a multi-million pound restoration - the house, gardens and interpretative centre are all well worth a visit - swanky Scandicesque café for fish and jenga block chips or an afternoon tea with scones anyone!?

The guided tour - with a select number of participants- was very informative. All I can say it's a good job SWS didn't have access to credit cards or Wonga (alternative pay day loan companies are available...)

From all the photos I've taken in and around the grounds of this icon of Scottish Baronial architecture it's one of the gargoyles that juts out from the ice house that's my favourite. Not only keeping a beady eye over the River Tweed, but also warning off anyone who would dare think of entering this 19th century refrigerator.