Kelso Abbey Reopens: A Welcome Return for a Borders Icon
- Drummond Scottish Tours
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
Founded by Tironensian monks from France, brought to Scotland by King David I, then given commission by King Alexander I in the early 12th century, Kelso Abbey survived repeated incursions into Roxburgh territory by our southern neighbours.
The Abbey endured into the late 15th century when, perhaps, the monks thought they might finally enjoy a little peace. However this was short‑lived, as the 16th century and its religious turmoil loomed ever closer.
As the coronation site of King James III in 1460, Kelso Abbey was no doubt at its height in this pre‑Reformation period. The golden age of James IV helped the monks to prosper. However, James’s untimely death at Flodden in 1513 plunged Scotland back into turmoil. With Kelso so close to the border of England and Henry VIII's sweeping dissolution of the English monasteries, the Abbey, along with the other three historic Borders abbeys, was placed in deep peril.
The Scottish Reformation of 1560 removed official recognition of the Tironensian community, and Henry VIII’s “Rough Wooing” of Mary Queen of Scots brought further destruction to the abbey.
In the sad year of 1587, when Mary was executed by her cousin Elizabeth in England, Kelso Abbey would be declared officially derelict.
Now, after several years closed and many petitions later, Kelso Abbey has reopened to the public. Our historic market town of Kelso once again boasts an incredible set of ruins for visitors to explore - an enduring monument to the Borders’ rich and often turbulent past.
Extensive repairs have been carried out at the abbey, with further high‑level masonry inspections planned ahead of its 900th anniversary in 2028 to help shape longer‑term management of this important town landmark.
If you’d like to explore Kelso Abbey and the other great Borders abbeys with us (Jedburgh, Melrose and Dryburgh), you can join our Scottish Borders Abbeys tour.
Discover the famous stories linked to these extraordinary sites, from their conception to their destruction, as our tour brings the full history to life. Contact us today or visit our Scottish Borders Abbey Tour page to find out more.
