Historic Borders mansion kitted out with colourful quilts

A historic mansion in the Scottish Borders is set to be given a splash of colour thanks to a local craft group.

The Borders Modern Quilt Guild (BMQG) is celebrating 10 years by staging its first ever public exhibition at Haining House.

It will feature more than 150 quilts and quilted objects and showcase the "stunning interior" of the building, near Selkirk.

BMQG convener Sandra Miller said: "They'll be draped from the grand staircase, and we'll be filling the beautifully refurbished rooms with quilts - and then some more quilts."

Haining House was bequeathed to the Haining Charitable Trust (HCT) in 2009 by the late Andrew Nimmo-Smith.

Renovation work had to be accelerated on the category A-listed Palladian Georgian villa - first built in 1794 and later remodelled - due to fears it could collapse due to dry rot.

It reopened this year as an events space, hosting weddings, conferences, private and community events.

The BMQG was founded in 2016 by Jane Rae and Lesley Maw to celebrate the area's rich textiles heritage with a "modern quilt group that embraced new approaches to quilting".

The principle behind the group is "fostering creativity and friendship, encouraging lifelong learning, exchanging skills and stories, and promoting wellbeing through the act of making".

Jane said: "We've been quilting in the UK for hundreds of years, and there's a sense of continuity in holding this modern quilting event in an 18th Century manor house.

"We're a modern group, but we're never too far from our traditional roots."

She added being part of the organisation has been a hugely positive experience.

"I'm drawn to every aspect of quilting - its history, heritage, making, and the people involved," Jane said.

"Starting BMQG has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm proud of the supportive community we've built.

"Stitching with friends is one of life's joys and a welcome retreat from the busyness of everyday life."

That view is echoed by group member Joan McKay.

"Being part of a supportive group has helped me learn new skills and try projects beyond my comfort zone," she said.

"Add exhibitions, coffee and cake, lively chat and laughter - it has enriched my life."

The Haining Trust said it was delighted to host the exhibition.

A spokesperson said: "As a historic house rooted in the community, it's especially meaningful to host an exhibition that celebrates heritage crafts and creative traditions.

"The Haining provides the perfect setting for quilts to be experienced in a place where history, craftsmanship, and community come together."

The exhibition, Quilts 2026, is being held on 24 and 25 April.