VISITORS to Traquair House were treated to a festive treat last weekend as the annual Christmas Fayre returned to the historic site.

Scotland’s oldest inhabited house opened its doors on Saturday and Sunday to hundreds of guests.

As well as seeing the fully decorated house, visitors could enjoy the luxurious Santa’s grottos, puppet shows, stalls selling crafts and gifts and the sound of music courtesy of local choirs and silver bands.

The main rooms were decorated with displays by the Peebles Floral Art Society and Father Christmas and his fairy met children in the 18th century lower drawing room, joined by a roaring fire and plenty of gifts.

Across the weekend, visitors were treated to performances by St Ronan’s Silver Band on Saturday and Peebles Silver Band on Sunday.

Catherine Maxwell Stuart, who organised the event, said: “Last year the Fayre had to be cancelled for a day as it came straight after Storm Arwen so it was really fantastic to have the event back in all its glory with near record numbers attending.”