Tiny Home Borders: A Scandinavian-Style Escape in Scotland's Overlooked Region
Nestled on a sheep and deer farm near Hawick, a tiny off-grid cabin stands as an unexpected gem in the Scottish Borders. Constructed from repurposed oak, it overlooks a private lochan, featuring a separate cedar sauna, cold outdoor shower, sunken hot tub, and a jetty with hammocks and paddleboards. The scene evokes Finland or Sweden, rather than traditional British farmland, offering a wild seclusion that would thrill adventurers like Ben Fogle. Upon arrival, the bugling of swans adds to the serene atmosphere, making guests feel both privileged and immersed in nature.
Swim, Soak, Switch Off: An Off-Grid Cabin Stay
Sometimes, escaping to a place with poor phone coverage is essential for a truly wild experience. Tiny Home Borders, hidden in rippling foothills ten miles east of Hawick, provides just that. Owners David and Claire Mactaggart opened their second two-person cabin in August, following the success of their first in 2022. This retreat invites visitors to swim, soak, and switch off, embracing the tranquility of the surroundings.
On the first night, from a windblown deck above the water, guests can fire up an outdoor wood oven and indulge in activities like a sauna session, a cold plunge in the lochan, and a relaxing soak in the hot tub, all accompanied by the scent of wood smoke. Evenings might include pizza by a crackling log burner and stargazing through a telescope, enhancing the off-grid charm.
Agritourism Growth and Sustainable Diversification
As farms seek new revenue streams, agritourism is booming. According to Visit Scotland, the combined value of agritourism and farm retail could reach £250 million by 2030, driven by consumer interest in sustainable tourism. Scotland will host the inaugural Global Agritourism Conference in June, highlighting discussions on diversifying farming sustainably amid rising production costs.
The Mactaggarts built their first tiny hut from an old bale trailer as an experiment, aiming to create an eco-friendly home away from home. Located below Rubers Law, a mini Ben Nevis on the River Teviot, the cabin features a mezzanine sleeping space. Success led to a second cabin, with plans for a third in another glen. Eco-friendly elements include hemp insulation, solar panels, reclaimed wood, and no wifi, emphasizing sustainability.
Exploring the Undervisited Scottish Borders
A 90-minute drive from Edinburgh, Tiny Home Borders serves as a base for exploring an overlooked region. Claire Mactaggart notes that many visitors merely drive through the Borders, missing its beauty. David adds that it remains largely unknown, offering hidden treasures for those who venture off the beaten path.
Breakfast is a highlight, with fresh bread, salty butter, homemade marmalade, farm eggs, and coffee on the deck, complemented by binoculars for wildlife spotting. Mornings often feature saltire-blue skies, setting a perfect tone for the day.
Wildlife and Natural Beauty
Red deer outnumber people in these hills, prompting adventures like hiking Rubers Law to spot the Borders' Big Five: deer, sheep, fox, pheasant, and red squirrel. Trails wind through muddy tracks with sprouting wildflowers and wild garlic, leading to sightings of pheasants and deer. The landscape evokes a living version of Old MacDonald's Farm, rich with ducks, sheep, cattle, and horses.
Historic Hawick: Knitwear and Distilleries
Few areas rival historic Hawick, a town of textile weavers with cosy cafes, craft shops, and tweed retailers. Its centre is connected by four bridges and mills for renowned knitwear brands like Hawico and Lovat Mill. Johnstons of Elgin stands out with a visitor centre showcasing Borders knitwear, coveted by haute couture names such as Chanel and Dior.
After lunch at Damascus Drum, a cafe-bookshop adorned with rugs, guided tours of Johnstons of Elgin's Eastfield Mill reveal a labyrinthine operation with knitters and machines. A yarn library holds 18 tonnes of vibrant colours, from gorse yellow to heather purple.
The Borders Distillery, housed in a former hydroelectric plant, offers a fitting end to a winter day. With rain outside, a glass of blended Scotch from distiller David Shuttleworth provides warmth, smelling of green apples and grass, and highlighting local barley from nearby farms. David emphasizes the whisky's storytelling tied to Hawick's landscape, promoting a low carbon footprint and community-driven vision.
A Heartening Conclusion
Back at the cabin, under a rainy awning with a drained whisky glass, the charm of Hawick shines through. It's a place of rural community and inspiration, hopefully gaining recognition from newcomers. The Mactaggarts believe this region has been overlooked for too long, and Tiny Home Borders offers a perfect gateway to rediscover it.
The trip was provided by Visit Scotland and Tiny Home Borders. Tiny Home One sleeps two, starting from £180 per night B&B with a two-night minimum. Johnstons of Elgin tours cost £15, and Borders Distillery tours are £20. For more information, visit Scotland Starts Here.
