Volunteer tour guides take guests on a journey dating back to the 12th Century when a Cistercian abbey occupied the site.

Visitors are taken through to the present day, with an insight into how Newbattle Abbey came to be Scotland's only adult education residential college.

The abbey, which was bequeathed to the Scottish people by the 11th Marquis of Lothian, is home to many historical artefacts – including a water organ brought to the house in 1822 to mark the visit of King George IV.

The font in the private chapel is said to have been used to baptise Mary Queen of Scots at Linlithgow Palace.

The chapel is now used for small private wedding ceremonies and the font for christenings.

Ghost stories

Newly recruited tour guide, John Fortune, is relishing his role at Newbattle Abbey College.

The 27-year-old from Dalkeith, who also works part-time on reception, previously suffered from depression.

But after volunteering at Newbattle and developing his knowledge and skills, he is now entertaining visitors every week with tales of Newbattle's exciting and hidden past, as well as a few ghost stories too.

John said: "Before I came to Newbattle, I was depressed and I hadn't worked for a few years.

"But my life has turned round and I'm really enjoying working there.

"There's so much history to get your head round but the training was great and all the volunteers took it in turns to take each other through a tour.

"The tours have been really popular and we enjoy answering people's questions and giving them an insight into the building's development down the centuries."

Fascinating

Rae McGhee, heritage development coordinator for Newbattle Abbey College, said: "The tour guides are a tight knit team who are always looking to increase their knowledge and to develop the content of their tour.

"It helps to make the visitor experience at Newbattle Abbey more enjoyable and memorable, and is not all about dates and historical facts, but is a fascinating journey where the past is brought to life."

To book a tour call Rae on 0131 663 1921 or email raem@newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk