Walter Scott Visitor centre

The first stage of a huge project to transform Sir Walter Scott's home in the Borders into a major visitor attraction is now complete.

A £4m pound visitor centre in the grounds of Abbotsford House near Melrose will open to the public next week.

It includes an exhibition about the life of Scotland first celebrity author and trustees are hoping to attract thousands of visitors through its doors.

• Money
• Melrose
• Scottish Borders

The first stage of the £14.5 million transformation of Sir Walter Scott's home in the Scottish Borders has been unveiled to the public. A purpose-built visitor centre opens at Abbotsford house near Melrose on Monday.

The building has been developed by The Abbotsford Trust as part of its efforts to create a world-class visitor attraction and centre of learning about Sir Walter Scott.

The centre piece of the building will be a new exhibition that tells the story of the world's first best-selling author, his successful literary career and the cultural legacy he left to Scotland and the world.

The Visitor Centre also includes a new work by contemporary Scottish artist Claire Barclay, as well as a shop and a restaurant. The main house, which is currently being refurbished, will re-open in 2013.

• UK
• Scottish Borders
• Abbotsford