The osprey is unique in that it migrates from western Africa to Scotland each spring and feeds mainly on fish. This unmistakable bird, a vision in black and white, surprised wildlife experts when it returned to breed in Scotland of its own accord in the 1950s after decades of apparent absence. Since then, the population has recovered and currently stands at around 200 pairs. Since being re-established in Speyside fifty years ago, ospreys have increased their range dramatically and can now be found from the Northwest Highlands to the Tweed Valley. Prime viewing locations include Loch Garten in the Cairngorms National Park, Loch of the Lowes near Dunkeld and Glentress in the Borders. Ospreys tend to arrive back at their nest sites in April, just in time to lay their eggs. They remain here throughout late spring and summer, returning south to their wintering grounds in mid September. When to see this species : Spring, Summer

Osprey

Day 1
Arrive in Peebles, a picturesque county town located in the heart of the Southern Uplands and on the banks of the River Tweed. Peebles lies on the edge of the Tweed Valley Forest Park, one of Scotland's foremost outdoor recreation destinations and a favourite haunt of mountain bikers in particular. Those wishing to take to the saddle can hire bikes at Glentress and enjoy a wide variety of trails, from the relatively tame beginners options to the somewhat more stomach churning black runs. Visitors seeking a gentler alternative altogether can follow the waymarked walking trails. At Glentress and nearby Kailzie Gardens, from May to August, nobody should miss out on the live CCTV footage from the forest's very own osprey nest. Ospreys returned to the Borders only a few years ago but have since bred successfully and made themselves quite at home. In the afternoon, seek out a bit of true Border heritage at the 12th-century Traquair House, the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland. Since its humble beginnings as a fortified tower, the now beautifully ornate mansion has played host to no less than 27 visiting monarchs! The adjacent community of Innerleithen is worth a stop to visit Robert Smail's Printing Works, run by the National Trust for Scotland as a fascinating working museum. Here, visitors can appreciate the 19th-century equivalent of a modern-day word processor. Innerleithen is also home to St Ronan's Wells where, over the centuries, many have sought the healing qualities of the sulphuric waters, not least Sir Walter Scott.

Day 2
A second day in Border country affords greater opportunities to explore the landscape that inspired Scott to write some of his greatest works. Head first to the genteel market town of Melrose, with its tidy building clustered beneath the Eildon Hills. Though the community is famed as the birthplace of Rugby Sevens, the main attraction here is Melrose Abbey, founded by David I in 1136 and one of the four great Border abbeys (the others located at Kelso, Jedburgh and Dryburgh). The heart of Robert the Bruce, victor at Bannockburn and champion of Scottish independence, is buried here, in the presbytery. A short drive from Melrose in the direction of Dryburgh is the picture-postcard Scott's View, one of the author's favourite spots for contemplation, overlooking the Tweed. Head north-east from here and, after around an hour, you will find yourself on the Berwickshire coast at St Abbs. The cliffs to the north of here form a National Nature Reserve under the care of the National Trust for Scotland and are worth the journey in spring or summer for the sheer number of breeding seabirds you'll encounter. Clifftop Discovery offer Land Rover safaris in the area, promising all the best views of the flora and fauna. To the south of St Abbs, the extraordinary Paxton Houseis deserving of a visit. Dating from 1758 and designed by John and James Adam, the house is a classic of its period and contains and unrivalled collection of Chippendale and Regency rosewood furniture. Wildlife lovers will enjoy the red squirrel hide, located in eighty acres of grounds.

For more ideas on attractions to visit in the Scottish Borders, click here