Tuesday 7th February 2012
Treasures unearthed in work at Sir Walter Scott's home
BBC News
An array of "architectural treasures" has been unearthed as the former home of Sir Walter Scott in the Scottish Borders undergoes a major overhaul.
Decorated floors, an ancient well and a private gas works are among the items discovered at Abbotsford House.
Curator Matthew Withey said they had expected the renovations would "yield some fascinating finds".
The main house is closed to the public until next year but a new visitor centre is due to open this summer.
Kelso company M&J Ballantyne is currently carrying out the conservation and refurbishment works on the estate which Scott bought a little more than 200 years ago.