Abbotsford – the gift that keeps on giving
08 Dec
Sir Walter Scott's library at Abbotsford
THE festive season is upon us and those who haven’t yet found gifts for family and friends are running out of time to do so.
But there is still (just) time to secure something really special by getting involved in the Abbotsford Trust’s Adopt-A-Book scheme, taking advantage of its Give The Gift of Friendship initiative or picking up the perfect present at its annual Christmas markets at Abottsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, while supporting the work of this charity at the same time.
“Abbotsford is an extraordinary and exciting place. Sir Walter Scott told, and shaped, Scotland’s story, and changed world literature; but Abbotsford is one of his greatest creations,” said the Rt Hon James Wolffe KC, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Abbotsford Trust. “The house, grounds and collections are of international significance. I believe that Abbotsford truly is the finest literary museum in the world. But it is not just a museum - it is a living place where people of all ages find inspiration and recreation.”
Scott was a member of the Faculty of Advocates, and his library at Abbotsford is one of a relatively small number of world-class writers' libraries. It remains in situ and intact, with the books arranged on the shelves as they were during his lifetime. The Faculty of Advocates transferred ownership of the library and the other artefacts it owned at Abbotsford to the Faculty of Advocates Abbotsford Collection Trust in 2011. The Collection Trust works with the Abbotsford Trust to raise funds to ensure the long-term preservation of the collections at the house, many of which were given as gifts to Scott himself. Those who choose to participate in the Adopt A Book initiative, either directly or as a gift for someone else, will help preserve the books for future generations by supporting these charities.
The Give The Gift of Friendship scheme also helps to secure the future of Abbotsford. For a relatively small charitable donation Friends of Abbotsford get free access for a year along with a host of other benefits including discounts in the shop, the onsite café, and attendance at selected events.
Visitors to the annual Abbotsford Christmas Market can enjoy browsing for gifts at local craft stalls and festive food and drink stands throughout the day, including The Haggis Box, Over Hot Coals and Silver Cellar Bar. They can also visit the onsite shop and chose a gift from exclusive Abbotsford items, including some Abbotsford gin or whisky.
Both the Adopt A Book and Give The Gift of Friendship schemes run throughout the year, but the last day to guarantee postal delivery before Christmas Day is 14 December. The Abbotsford Christmas Market is open from 10am to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday until 18 December.
Find out more here:
You can also find out more about supporting the Abbotsford Trust by sending an email to fundraising@scottsabbotsford.co.uk