Image: LDN Architects designed the new centre

A new visitor centre created as part of the multi-million pound regeneration of Abbotsford - the former home of Sir Walter Scott near Melrose - is to open on 20 August.

The £4m centre will contain interpretation exploring the history and legacy of the property and Sir Walter Scott. It has been designed by LDN Architects and built by Border Construction.

Work is also being carried out on the main house at Abbotsford, although it will remain closed until 2013 in order for an extensive programme of refurbishment to be completed.

In July 2010, The Abbotsford Trust was awarded £4.8m from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the regeneration work, while Historic Scotland is also among the contributors.

More recently, further Heritage Lottery Fund support worth £1m was announced as part of the Catalyst Endowment programme. The trust has raised more than £12m to date.

Abbotsford Trust chief executive Jason Dyer said: "We're looking forward to telling Scott's story in a modern and dynamic way which we hope will encourage new audiences to learn about the man, his work and his immense cultural and literary legacy."

Click here for more information about Abbotsford and the multi-million pound regeneration work currently being undertaken at the property.

Image (c) The Abbotsford Trust