TRAQUAIR’S MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS CONNECTION

As a royal hunting lodge Traquair played host to 27 Scottish Kings and Queens but perhaps the monarch with the closest association to Traquair was Mary Queen of Scots.

The 4^th  Laird of Traquair, John Stuart, was named the Captain of the Queen’s bodyguard in 1565 and the Stuarts of Traquair remained loyal to the Stuart monarchy for many centuries thereafter.

Following the murder of David Rizzio, the Laird of Traquair formed part of the small escape party from Holyrood when Mary and Darnley sought refuge at Dunbar Castle.

In August 1566, the Laird invited Mary and Darnley to Traquair and she brought with her, James, her baby son who was only 3 months old.

While at Traquair, there was an unfortunate exchange over dinner. Mary, who was feeling unwell, whispered in her husband’s ear she thought she may have been pregnant again and could she be excused from the stag hunt the following day. Darnley rudely replied:

“Never mind, if we lose this one, we can make another!”

The Laird rebuked him sharply and said he did not speak like a Christian whereupon Darnley replied:

“What! Ought not we to work a mare well when she is with foal?”

Despite this unhappy visit to Traquair, the house still contains many items related to the queen including her bed and the cradle where she rocked her infant son later to be James VI of Scotland and I of England and her rosary and crucifix.

In addition there are 3 documents signed by her, a copy of the warrant of execution and an oak armorial commemorating her visit.

Although we cannot offer you the chance to stay in Mary Queen of Scots’ bed we have 4 luxurious bedrooms in Traquair House which are offered on a bed and breakfast basis.

Furnished with antique furniture and half tester beds you can relax into history itself. The Lower Drawing Room is for your exclusive use in the evening as well as 100 acres of private grounds and in the morning you can enjoy a full Scottish breakfast in the Still Room.

Stay for a special night or spend a few days exploring the Scottish Borders and follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots. We have put together some suggested itineraries for you below.

If you visit as a group or want an exclusive tour of Traquair to discover more about the history and our links to Mary Queen of Scots see here.

Just contact the office on +44 (0)1896 830323 to enquiry about a group booking or email us to enquiries@traquair.co.uk.

Suggested itineraries following Mary Queen of Scots’ footsteps in the Scottish Borders.

From Traquair House

Head south to Jedburgh (45mins approx) where you can visit Mary Queen of Scots’ House. This house was loaned to her by the Kerrs of Ferniehurst when the Queen came down to the lawless Border country to ‘see justice ministrat’.

The house which is now a visitor attraction presents the full story of her stay as well as housing numerous artefacts including her watch and death mask. Entry is free; allow an hour.

From Jedburgh take the road to Hawick stopping en route for a refreshment at Born in the Borders, a restaurant and shop specialising in Borders’ produce.

Stopping in Hawick you can spend time visiting the new Borders Distillery, do a little cashmere shopping before taking the B639 to the atmospheric ruin of Hermitage Castle (30mins).

It was here that the Earl of Bothwell lay badly wounded while Mary was in Jedburgh. When she heard what had befallen him, she rode the treacherous 25 miles through Elliot country to see him. On her way back, she fell from her horse. Unwell when she reached Jedburgh, she became so ill that her half-brother started funeral arrangements. It is said that wine and massage were key to her recovery. Hermitage Castle is owned by HES and entry by admission. Allow 30mins and then return to Hawick and back to Edinburgh (1hr 20mins)

Have a look our route suggestion.

A longer tour and some other places to see with a Mary Queen of Scots connection:

Take a short drive (15 mins) to the market town of Peebles and just outside the town, above the Tweed, stands picturesque Neidpath Castle, seat of the Hays of Yester, visited by Mary in 1563, (see by appointment).

A visit to Kelso and Floors Castle. which has another Mary connection. From Traquair Kelso is a 45 minute drive. Taking the A7 to Galashiels and then onto St Boswells where you can stop for coffee or lunch in the awarding winning bookshop Mainstreet Trading which has a great café and excellent books on Scottish history. Continue onto Kelso and Floors Castle.

Here lies another Mary connection; before setting out for Jedburgh Mary had sought advice from one of the local ‘heidsmen’, a ruffian called Walter Ker of Cessford, who was summoned to Edinburgh to ‘consult upon sic things as shall be thair ado’. The original of the letter is held in the castle just outside Kelso, seat of Walter Ker’s descendants, now Dukes of Roxburgh. The splendid castle and extensive gardens are open to the public: entry by admission (allow 1.5 hours).

Have a look at our route suggestion.