Hidden Histories Of The Scottish Borders

Thistle And Time

Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders uncovers the forgotten stories behind the region’s most fascinating castles, tower houses, and historic ruins. Journey through the Scottish Borders as each episode explores a single site, revealing its dramatic past, the families who lived there, and the conflicts that shaped it. From the lawless days of the Border Reivers to bloody raids, civil wars, and tales steeped in folklore, this podcast brings history vividly to life. All hosted by David. Season Two is now live, with new episodes every Thursday.

  1. 5d ago

    Ferniehirst Castle, Stronghold Of The Kerrs

    In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we explore the dramatic story of Ferniehirst Castle, one of the best-preserved Border fortresses in Scotland. Standing above the River Jed near Jedburgh, this remarkable stronghold was home to the powerful Kerr family for more than five centuries and witnessed raids, sieges, family feuds, royal intrigue and some of the fiercest fighting of the Anglo-Scottish Border wars. Discover the legend of Dand Kerr, the famous left-handed staircase, the brutal violence of the Rough Wooing, the Battle of Ancrum Moor, and the castle's role in the struggles surrounding Mary, Queen of Scots. From Border Reivers to royal courtiers, the story of Ferniehirst reveals how one family survived the turbulent history of the Scottish Borders and left behind a castle whose stones still echo with the conflicts of the past. Music credits Peace by Jeremusic70  https://pixabay.com The Ocean by Savfk  https://www.youtube.com/savfkmusic The Impossible by Savfk  https://www.youtube.com/savfkmusic Adrift Among Infinite Stars by Scott Buckley https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley Undertow by Scott Buckley  https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley I Walk With Ghosts by Scott Buckley  https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley Royalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

  2. Sep 24

    Hawick's Black Tower Of Drumlanrig

    Discover the fascinating history of Drumlanrig’s Tower in Hawick, one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Scottish Borders. From its medieval origins and connection with the Douglases of Drumlanrig, through the turbulent years of Border raids, the Rough Wooing, the Marian Civil War and a Covenanter uprising, this episode explores the stories behind Hawick’s historic Black Tower. We also look at the legendary Battle of Hornshole, the tower’s transformation from fortified residence to coaching house and Tower Hotel, and its modern role as the Hawick Textiles Museum. Join David for another episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders and discover how one remarkable tower has survived more than five centuries of conflict, change and transformation. Music credits Aurora by Scott Buckley  In Search Of Solitude by Scott Buckley Permafrost by Scott Buckley https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley Royalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://cdn.pixabay.com/download/audio/2023/04/03/audio_a0b8b69e90.mp3?filename=notaigenerated-paradise-144947.mp3

  3. Sep 17

    Hume Castle: War, Raiders And Political Intrigue

    High above the Merse near Kelso stands Hume Castle, one of the Scottish Borders' most recognisable landmarks. But the picturesque ruins conceal a turbulent history of medieval warfare, Border Reivers, royal intrigue and Anglo-Scottish conflict. In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we explore the history of Hume Castle and the powerful Hume family who made it their stronghold. From the Wars of Independence and the Battle of Flodden to the Rough Wooing, Mary, Queen of Scots, the Marian Civil War and Cromwell's invasion of Scotland, Hume repeatedly found itself at the centre of conflict. We also discover the remarkable story of Lady Home's defence of the castle, the legend of James IV's body, and how a once-formidable fortress was eventually transformed into the picturesque folly we see today. For more information about Hume Castle and other historic places in the Scottish Borders, visit https://thistleandtime.scot Music Credits Last And First Light by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley The Great Battle by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com Horizons by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley Snowfall by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley Underow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley Eight Mountains by Savfk | https://www.youtube.com/savfkmusic All sourced from Royalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

  4. Sep 10

    The Towers Of Darnick And The Battle Of Melrose

    Discover the turbulent history hidden behind the peaceful village of Darnick in the Scottish Borders. This episode explores Darnick Tower, Fisher’s Tower and the dramatic Battle of Melrose (Battle of Darnick/Battle of Skirmish Hill) in 1526, when Sir Walter Scott of Buccleuch attempted to rescue the young James V, King of Scots, from the control of the Earl of Angus. We also uncover the story of the Heiton and Fisher families, the destruction of Darnick during the Rough Wooing, the Border Reiver feud that followed the battle, and Darnick’s later connection with Sir Walter Scott. This podcast episode is a fascinating journey into the castles, tower houses, Border Reivers and battles of the Scottish Borders. For more information about Darnick and other historic sites, visit https//thistleandtime.scot Music credits Absolution | Ascension | Discovery | Chasing Daylight | Ride the Wind All above tracks by Scott Buckley https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Podcast theme from Pixabay.com

  5. Sep 3

    Old Thirlestane Tower, Forgotten Home Of The Maitlands

    Discover the forgotten history of Old Thirlestane Tower, near Lauder in the Scottish Borders. Once the home of the powerful Maitland family, this medieval Border stronghold stood on an important route between the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh. Explore its connections to the Border Reivers, the Rough Wooing, Mary, Queen of Scots, the Marian Civil War and the rise of the Maitlands to national political power. Find out how the ruined tower was eventually superseded by the magnificent Thirlestane Castle at Lauder. Music credits Vopna and Prepare For War both by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords)  https://creatorchords.com Eight Mountains by Savfk  https://www.youtube.com/savfkmusic Above music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Podcast theme music from pixabay.com

  6. Aug 27

    The Fascinating Story Of Dryburgh Abbey

    Journey into the peaceful ruins of Dryburgh Abbey, one of the most beautiful medieval monasteries in the Scottish Borders. In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, discover the remarkable story of the Premonstratensian abbey founded in 1150, its repeated destruction during the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Rough Wooing, its connections to Robert the Bruce, Sir Walter Scott and the legends that still haunt its ancient stones. From Norman nobles and medieval monks to English invasions, royal patronage and ghostly folklore, this episode uncovers nearly 900 years of history beside the River Tweed. Whether you're planning a visit to Dryburgh Abbey, exploring the Borders Abbey Way, or simply fascinated by Scottish history, this is the story behind one of Scotland's most atmospheric historic sites. Music Credits Eight Mountains by Savfk https://www.youtube.com/savfkmusic In Search Of Solitude by Scott Buckley https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley Jul by Scott Buckley https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley All promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Podcast theme from Pixabay.com

  7. Aug 20

    Cockburnspath Tower, A Hidden Castle Of The Scottish Borders

    Discover the remarkable story of Cockburnspath Tower, one of the Scottish Borders' most overlooked medieval fortresses. Hidden beside the A1 in Berwickshire, this atmospheric ruin once guarded the principal coastal route between England and Scotland and stood at the centre of centuries of royal intrigue, noble rivalries and border warfare. In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we explore the fortunes of the Earls of Dunbar and March, the Homes and Douglases, the Rough Wooing, Margaret Tudor's connection to the tower, and its eventual decline after the Union of the Crowns. Join David as he uncovers the fascinating history behind this forgotten stronghold, explaining why Cockburnspath Tower played such an important role in defending Scotland's eastern frontier. If you enjoy Scottish history, medieval castles, Border history, the Border Reivers and hidden heritage sites, this episode offers a compelling journey into one of the Borders' best-kept secrets. For photographs, visitor information and more detailed historical articles, visit www.thistleandtime.scot Music credits: At The End Of All Things | Aurora | Celestial | Filaments  All by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

  8. Aug 13

    Greenkowe Tower: A Quiet Survivor Of Border Turmoil

    In episode 30 of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders podcast, we visit Greenknowe Tower near Gordon. This well-preserved tower house has witnessed centuries of Scottish history, being built towards the end of the Border Reivers era. But the most turbulent period of its history came in the 17th century with the Covenanters, the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, and the religious suppression that followed the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Today, it is protected as a scheduled ancient monument managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Visitors can still walk the short path from the roadside layby and stand beneath its towering walls.  In this episode, host David tells the story of Greenknowe Tower from its construction by the Setons and the dramatic events that overtook its later resident, Walter Pringle. For more information about Greenknowe Tower and other fascinating historic places across the Borders, visit https://thistleandtime.scot. (All music from pixabay.com)

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Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders uncovers the forgotten stories behind the region’s most fascinating castles, tower houses, and historic ruins. Journey through the Scottish Borders as each episode explores a single site, revealing its dramatic past, the families who lived there, and the conflicts that shaped it. From the lawless days of the Border Reivers to bloody raids, civil wars, and tales steeped in folklore, this podcast brings history vividly to life. All hosted by David. Season Two is now live, with new episodes every Thursday.

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