Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford centre draws visitors

Visitor numbers have exceeded expectation at the new centre

Visitor numbers have exceeded expectation in the first two weeks of opening at the upgraded facilities at Sir Walter Scott's former home.

More than 2,000 people have been to see the new visitor centre at Abbotsford House near Melrose.

Abbotsford Trust chief executive Jason Dyer said the response from the public had been "fantastic".

The main house is currently being refurbished and is scheduled to reopen next year.

Mr Dyer said: "Visitors have told us that they have learned a great deal about Scott and his significance that they hadn't previously appreciated, which is one of the main aims of this beautiful new building and its exhibition on Scott's life and legacy.

"We're delighted with this extremely impressive start for the visitor centre."