Scott was born at Spottiswoode,
Scottish Borders, in the former
Berwickshire. She was the oldest daughter of John Spottiswoode of
Berwickshire and his wife Helen Wauchope of Niddrie Marischal. She had three siblings, two brothers called John and Andrew and a sister, Margaret, who she was particularly devoted to. The three children were close in age and were close companions. Alicia and Andrew were much bolder than John and Margaret, and thus acted as leaders of the group. Together they were adventurous; they were confident horseback riders, and would often gallop over the moors. They often joined their neighbour, Lord Lauderdale, in
coursing hares. In 1839 Scott's sister, Margaret, died. She had never been particularly strong, and had developed a "great delicacy of chest," and was told to winter abroad for her health. On her way to Italy in the winter of 1839, she and Sir Hugh stopped in Paris. Unbeknownst to them, the previous tenant of the room they stayed in had
scarlet fever. Margaret caught it, and died a few days later. Scott received the news of her sister's illness and death almost simultaneously. This was deeply shocking to Scott, and she was deeply affected by her sister's passing. == Archaeology ==