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Robert Smail's Printing Works Events - Nearby

Borders Book Festival

Borders Book Festival

Harmony Garden
Dates between : Thu 13 Jun - Sun 16 Jun

Join us for more than 60 events with today’s best and brightest writers.

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Over 4 days this June, some of today’s best and brightest writers will be coming to Melrose.

Within easy driving distance of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle, the Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival, which includes the fun and lively Family Book Festival, will be hosting more than 60 events with Joanna Lumley, Peter Alliss, Stella Rimington, Neil Oliver, Tom Conti, Hilary Mantel, Francesca Simon, Darren Shan, Lauren Child, Nick Sharratt, Kirsty Wark, Phyllida Law, William Dalrymple and dozens of other amazing writers.

On the lawns of the National Trust for Scotland’s beautiful Harmony House, marquees will house the very best of British talent. Spend a day in the Scottish Borders and be entertained, informed, amused and amazed. It’s unmissable!

You can book online at www.bordersbookfestival.org or call 0844 357 1060.


  • 13 Jun 2013 : 09:00 - 17:00
  • 14 Jun 2013 : 09:00 - 17:00
  • 15 Jun 2013 : 09:00 - 17:00
  • 16 Jun 2013 : 09:00 - 17:00




For further information please call call 0844 357 1060.


You can book online at www.bordersbookfestival.org or call 0844 357 1060.

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Scotland's Gardens Open Day

Scotland's Gardens Open Day

Harmony Garden
Sun 23 Jun

Enjoy the heart of the Borders in Harmony Garden at the National Trust for Scotland’s event in support of Scotland’s Gardens.

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Harmony evokes the charm of a 19th century country town garden that provides a welcome respite from the bustle of town.

Wander through this tranquil garden’s wonderful herbaceous borders, stunning spring bulb lawn of fritillaries, daffodils and early summer bluebells, mature walnut, apricots and sheltering woodland area.

Its combination of expertly maintained planting and domestic origins will appeal to present day visitors.

The carefully tended fruit and vegetable plots are surrounded by neatly cut box hedging and include soft fruit, apples and a variety of vegetable choices.

These are still sold locally just as was the tradition in years past.

After enjoying all that Harmony’s beautiful garden offers, sit amongst splendour and enjoy fine views of the Abbey ruins and Eildon Hills.

Your admission provides entry to Harmony Garden and Priorwood Garden.

Full wheelchair access. There will be a trolley of fresh vegetables for sale at the entrance.


  • 23 Jun 2013 : 10:00 - 17:00



  • Adult : £ 6.50



For further information please call 0844 4932251

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Scotland's Gardens Open Day

Scotland's Gardens Open Day

Priorwood Garden & Dried Flower Shop
Sun 23 Jun

Escape to the country inside Priorwood at the National Trust for Scotland event in support of Scotland’s Gardens!

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In Melrose, overlooked by the Abbey ruins, this unique garden produces plants for a superb variety of dried flower arrangements, made and sold here and for which the garden is now best known.

Specialist techniques are demonstrated by the dedicated garden staff at classes throughout the year and drying flowers can be seen in the exhibition building next to the garden. The borders highlight the many attractive and imaginative varieties of flowers that offer beauty both in the garden and for arrangements in the home.

Beyond the herbaceous flower beds, the orchard contains many historic apple varieties and features a Scottish collection reintroducing the Melrose variety believed to have been cultivated by the monks of Melrose Abbey. Visitors can embark on an historic apple walk and have a picnic as the orchard is secluded from the town by the impressive walls with ornate wrought-iron screens. The walls are also adorned with a variety of trained fruits including pears and plums.

Running alongside the orchard, the woodland garden is undergoing new developments with an enhanced layout of additional paths and plantings to link with the orchard.

Once inside visitors feel as though they are a world away - without leaving town, this garden captures the feeling of a country estate.

Your admission provides entry to both Priorwood Garden and Harmony Garden.

Full wheelchair access. Dried flowers for sale. Herbaceous plants also for sale.


  • 23 Jun 2013 : 10:00 - 17:00



  • Adult : £ 6.50



For further information please call 01896 822 493

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Fossil Hunt

Fossil Hunt

Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve
Dates between : Fri 12 Jul - Fri 2 Aug

Join the ranger on a visit to a renowned fossil site, where we are guaranteed to find plenty of graptolite fossils.

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The route is fairly level but quite rough in places and involves a few burn crossings. Children must be aged 8 and over.

Grade: Moderate. Bring: Walking boots, warm waterproof clothing, snack and drink. Meet: Grey Mare's Tail car park, NT185145.


  • 12 Jul 2013 : 14:00 - 15:30
  • 02 Aug 2013 : 14:00 - 15:30



  • Adult : £ 4.00
  • Child : £ 2.00



For further information please call 0844 4932249 or email greymare'stail@nts.org.uk


Booking essential

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Minibeast Safari

Minibeast Safari

Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve
Dates between : Fri 12 Jul - Fri 2 Aug

Join the search for minibeasts of grassland and burn in the dramatic setting of Grey Mare's Tail.

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We will be using nets to sweep through vegetation, seeing what is lurking under boulders and guddling in the burn.

Accompanying adults free, 8 year olds and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Grade: Easy. Bring: Wellies. Meet: Grey Mare's Tail car park, NT185145.


  • 12 Jul 2013 : 12:00 - 13:00
  • 02 Aug 2013 : 12:00 - 13:00



  • Child : £ 2.00



For further information please call 0844 4932249 or email greymare'stail@nts.org.uk


Booking essential

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Photographing Plants

Photographing Plants

Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve
Fri 19 Jul

Learn the art of plant photography in the dramatic setting of Grey Mare's Tail.

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Aimed at Digital SLR users, there will be lots of practical tips and advice on photographic techniques and equipment to help you capture the best shots.

Grade: Strenuous. Bring: Camera equipment, walking boots, warm waterproof clothing, packed lunch, drink. Meet: Grey Mare's Tail car park, NT185145.


  • 19 Jul 2013 : 10:00 - 17:00



  • Adult : £ 25.00



For further information please call 0844 4932249 or email greymare'stail@nts.org.uk


Booking essential (limited to 6 places)

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Uncovering the Past

Uncovering the Past

Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve
Fri 26 Jul

Find out how this dramatic landscape was formed and hear about the area's 'bloody' past.

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O

n the way past Grey Mare's Tail to Loch Skeen, you will discover how the area rose from the sea floor to become the highest point in Dumfriesshire, look at evidence of glaciation on the landscape, and hear tales of murder, ghosts and illicit whisky.

Children must be aged 8 and over. Grade: Strenuous. Bring: Walking boots, warm waterproof clothing, snack and drink. Meet: Grey Mare's Tail car park, NT185145.


  • 26 Jul 2013 : 13:00 - 16:00



  • Adult : £ 6.00
  • Child : £ 4.00



For further information please call 0844 4932249


Booking essential

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Mountain Navigation

Mountain Navigation

Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve
Fri 9 Aug

Knowing how to navigate is an essential skill if you want to explore the hills safely.

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Equip yourself with a range of navigation techniques by joining a mountain leader qualified ranger for a full day on the hill.

Grade: Strenuous. Bring: Walking boots, warm waterproof clothing, packed lunch, drink, map (either Landranger Sheet 79 or preferably Explorer Sheet 330) and a compass if you have one. Meet: Grey Mare's Tail car park, NT185145.


  • 09 Aug 2013 : 10:00 - 17:00



  • Adult : £ 25.00



For further information please call 0844 4932249 or email greymare'stail@nts.org.uk


Booking essential (limited to 6 places)

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White Coomb and Lochcraig Head

White Coomb and Lochcraig Head

Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve
Fri 16 Aug

Enjoy a real mountain experience in search of upland wildlife and spectacular views.

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The route takes us past Grey Mare's Tail to Loch Skeen, then round the tops to White Coomb, the highest point in Dumfriesshire. Children must be aged 12 and over.

Grade: Strenuous.. Bring: Walking boots, warm waterproof clothing, packed lunch and a drink. Meet: Grey Mare's Tail car park, NT185145.


  • 16 Aug 2013 : 10:00 - 16:00



  • Adult : £ 20.00
  • Child : £ 12.00



For further information please call 0844 4932249 or email greymare'stail@nts.org.uk


Booking essential (limited to 6 places)

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Did you know?

The marbling on the edges of account books was an anti-fraud device – if a page was torn out the pattern would be disrupted.

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Opening times

Robert Smail’s Printing Works

23 Mar to 31 Oct, Thur-Mon 12-5 (Sun 1-5).
Shop: 23 Mar t0 31 Oct, Thur-Mon 12-5 (Sun 1-5); 8 Nov to 23 Dec, Mon,Thur and Fri 10-4, Sat 9-3

Tel. 0844 493 2259

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