When in Melrose, start your Roman adventure here.
2021 looks set to be an exciting year for our near neighbour’s at the Trimontium Trust as they get ready to open their stunning new museum at The Ormiston in Melrose later in the summer. The state of the art re-development of the Trimontium Museum will offer more objects, new interpretation, previously unseen loans and a programme of events and activities for all to enjoy.

Until then, the Trimontium Museum’s temporary exhibition at Abbey House in Melrose has just reopened along with their ever-popular guided walks. At Abbey House visitors can learn about the fort site at nearby Newstead, see Roman finds from the Trust’s collection, watch a newly commissioned film and see a newly acquired working, replica Roman ballistae (bolt throwers) and learn about the Trust’s exciting new museum project as it nears completion.

About the Trimontium Trust
The Trust run the Trimontium Museum which is devoted to telling the story of The Romans in the Scottish Borders and displaying finds from, and associated with, Trimontium Roman Fort. The museum is based in the heart of Melrose, whilst Trimontium itself is a 370 acre complex near the village of Newstead, one mile to the east, in the lee of the three Eildon Hills which dominate the area and give the fort and its associated features its Roman name Tri(um)montium – the place of the three hills.

The Trust run the museum, guided walks to the fort site, regular talks and a lecture series, special events, school and family activities. They have carried out ground-breaking research and archaeology projects in the Scottish Borders and provide regular volunteering opportunities and a museum professional internship. Trust membership with benefits are available to all.

The Trimontium Museum
This is the only museum in Scotland dedicated to the Roman era and telling the often-overlooked story, that there was a Roman presence in southern Scotland beyond Hadrian’s Wall. The story unlocked through the Trimontium site, reveals how cultures interact, understand and misunderstand each other alongside the fluidity of Borders and the movements of people and ideas.

Trimontium Roman Fort
Trimontium Roman fort near Newstead, just east of Melrose is of international importance as the largest Roman fort and settlement north of Hadrian’s Wall and the site of one of the largest concentrations of Roman military-related finds in the British Isles. This mystery remains unexplained.

Its story as told by the museum provides a modern window on the pivotal and turbulent history of this frontier post which for much of its existence was the principle forward base for the continued Roman invasion and occupation of Scotland.

Trimontium was a permanent garrison three times the size of the largest forts on Hadrian’s Wall and for a significant period was the most northerly bastion of the Roman Empire. A glimpse of it’s complex and often fraught history is revealed by the amazing archaeological finds from the site.

The colourful story of everyday Roman Army life contrasts sharply with the grisly contents of the mysterious pits which baffle archaeologists and historians to this day.

Trimontium Guided Walk – every Thursday & alternate Saturdays
Join the team on one of their long running and ever popular guided walks to the Trimontium Fort site. All are welcome on this 3.5 hour guided walk from Abbey House gardens (Melrose) to Trimontium via Newstead village. Guides will cover local history on route to the fort site, where the Roman shadows hidden within the landscape will be revealed. Guides will discuss the impact of the Roman presence on the local population and the details of the various archaeological digs at the site. All this while you are surrounded by the stunning, Scottish Borders landscape.

We suggest you bring a drink (and maybe a snack), wear footwear suitable for paths and fields, and dress for the weather!

Book to guarantee your space (limited currently due to COVID restrictions).

To Book
TEXT to 07312 111350 or EMAIL info@trimontium.co.uk

Meet 12.45pm for a 1pm departure, return approx. 4.30pm

Abbey House Gardens (TD6 9LG)

£7.50 per adult walker – children & dogs free!