BEST WESTERN Moffat House Hotel

Kagyu Samye Ling

Take time out at a beautiful Tibetan retreat in the Scottish countryside. Founded in 1967, Kagyu Samye Ling ("place beyond concept") was the first Tibetan Buddhist Centre to be established in the West. It continues to attract hundreds of visitors every year - Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.

Available : Daily

Trophy D’Ecosse

Now fully designated as a full ISU International for Synchronized Skating, the Trophy d'Ecosse returns to Dumfries Ice Bowl incorporating Sk8Scotland's Scottish Synchronised Skating Championships. Building up to the championships themselves are skate camps and workshops.

Available : Apr 2013 (annual)

Burns House

Robert Burns' final home, this humble sandstone building in Dumfries, is now a much-visited museum and simply called Burns House.

Available : Daily

Robert Burns Centre

Set in Dumfries' 18th-century watermill on the Nith's west bank, the Robert Burns Centre celebrates Scotland's national bard. It exhibitions, relating both to Burns the poet and his times, include original manuscripts and a scale model of 1790s Dumfries.

Available : Daily

Stobo Castle

Don't be put off by the castellations - there's nothing aggressive about Stobo castle, unless you consider a "G5 Vibratory and Hydrotherapy Back Massage" as a wee bit provocative.

Available : Daily

Sanquhar Riding of the Marches

The "Riding of the Marches" recreates the inspection of Sanquhar burgh boundaries, chronicled in 1730. The climax is on the Saturday closest to 18 August (the anniversary of Sanquhar receiving the Royal Charter) with the march of over 100 horses.

Available : Aug 2013 (annual)

Scottish Borders Walking Festival

The Scottish Borders Walking Festival offers adventurous types the chance to explore the area's rich wildlife, geology, history and archaeology. Based around a different Border town every year, around 50 trails cater to various fitness levels and interests. Hawick is the venue for 2011.

Available : Sep 2013 (annual)