Abbotsford, the Home of Sir Walter Scott

Who we are

The Abbotsford Trust became 12 years old in 2019. We have saved Abbotsford, raised funds for and undertaken an ambitious restoration programme and vastly improved the visitor experience. We have established an enormously successful community engagement and educational programme. We have doubled annual visitor numbers, our accommodation occupancy is now higher than Scotland’s industry average, and we have raised £3 million for an Endowment Fund.

All of this has been achieved by unpaid Trustees, a small staff team, and a growing band of passionate volunteers. The support of our funders and partners such as the Faculty of Advocates, Scottish Borders Council, Historic Environment Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, and many others has been essential along the way.

It is against this background that during 2018 the Trust asked itself what it wanted to be in 10 years time. The result was a bold and ambitious vision for the future. We are now looking at the first three years within the context of that 10 year vision, a period notable for the exceptional opportunity presented by Scott’s 250th birthday anniversary in 2021.

Our mission is to inspire, inform and engage audiences in the life and legacy of Sir Walter Scott.  As custodians of Abbotsford we aim to safeguard the house, collections, gardens and estate for future generations, enabling diverse communities to benefit from all that we care for.

Our Vision is that by 2029 Abbotsford will be recognised as one of the world’s most extraordinary literary homes. We will open the storybook that is Scott and Abbotsford, unlocking creativity, imagination, and enjoyment for more people.

We will be recognised for the professional care of our collections, we will have fully restored Scott’s estate, and working with partners we will reach new audiences and communities.

 The Abbotsford Trust will be a sustainable organisation able to look to the future with confidence.