Hidden Histories Of The Scottish Borders

Explore the dramatic history of Timpendean Tower in this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders. Set near Jedburgh along the River Teviot, this 16th-century Border tower reveals a story of resilience, warfare, and survival.Discover how the powerful Douglas family shaped life in the Borders, their connection to the notorious Border Reivers, and how the tower was nearly destroyed during the Rough Wooing under Henry VIII. Burned in 1545 and later rebuilt, Timpendean stands today as a powerful reminder of Scotland’s turbulent past.Perfect for listeners interested in Scottish history, castle ruins, Border Reivers, and hidden historic sites, this episode brings to life one of the Borders’ most overlooked landmarks.For photographs and more information, please see https://thistleandtime.scotMusic creditsAurora by Scott Buckley | In Search Of Solitude by Scott Buckleyhttps://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyRoyalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Podcast theme from Pixabay.com

Rising from a rocky crag above the River Tweed, Neidpath Castle has witnessed nearly eight hundred years of Scottish history.We begin with the Frasers, and follow the extraordinary story of Sir Simon Fraser: a man who fought for the English, changed sides to join William Wallace, and then defeated an English army three times in a single day.We then trace three centuries of Hay family ownership: the building of the L-plan tower house that still stands today, royal visits from Mary Queen of Scots and James VI, and the violent world of the Border Reivers.We explore Cromwell's disputed siege of 1650, the castle's remarkable resilience, and its later life in the hands of the Douglas and Wemyss families. And we end with two of Scotland's greatest literary figures: William Wordsworth, and Sir Walter Scott.Today, Neidpath Castle remains privately owned by the Wemyss family. A place where the past is very much still present (https://www.neidpathcastle.com).This is the penultimate episode in series 1 of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders. After next week’s episode, the series will return in August.MusicAll music and sound effects from Pixabay.com

Discover the hidden history of Traquair House, near Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders, one of Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited houses, with nearly 900 years of extraordinary stories within its ancient walls. In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we explore how a royal hunting lodge became a fortified tower house, then a lairdly residence, a Jacobite refuge, and a clandestine centre of Catholic worship, hosting 27 monarchs along the way, including Mary Queen of Scots, who visited in 1566 with her infant son, the future James VI.From the Wars of Independence and the Border Reivers to the doomed Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745, Traquair House sat at the heart of Scotland's most turbulent centuries. We uncover the secret Priest's Room, the remarkable Winifred Maxwell, and the legend of the Bear Gates — locked shut since Bonnie Prince Charlie's visit and never reopened. Whether you're a Scottish history enthusiast, a Borders explorer, or simply love untold stories from Scotland's past, this episode of our Scottish history podcast is essential listening.For more information, please see https://thistleandtime.scotMusic credits:Eight Mountains by Savfk https://www.youtube.com/savfkmusicVillage Ambiance by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords)  https://creatorchords.comPhase Shift by Scott Buckley  At The End Of All Things by Scott Buckley https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyAll above music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hidden among the rolling landscape of Berwickshire, Bunkle Castle may appear little more than a forgotten ruin—but its story is anything but quiet. In this episode of “Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders”, uncover the dramatic past of this once-powerful stronghold, from its early Norman origins under David I of Scotland to its deep connections with the Stewart dynasty and Scotland’s royal line.Explore tales of war, scandal, and shifting loyalties, featuring figures like Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus and Margaret Tudor, before the castle’s destruction during the brutal Rough Wooing. Perfect for lovers of Scottish history, castles, and Borders heritage, this episode reveals how even the smallest ruins can hold the biggest stories.For photographs and more information, please see the website https://thistleandtime.scotAll music from pixabay.com

What lies beneath the rose-coloured stones of Melrose Abbey? Founded in 1136 by King David I and the Cistercian monks, this magnificent Scottish Borders ruin has witnessed nine centuries of war, faith, folklore — and the extraordinary story of Robert the Bruce's heart, buried here after a crusade to the Holy Land.In this episode, we explore the full hidden history of one of Scotland's most iconic medieval ruins: the Wars of Scottish Independence, the brutal English raids, an abbey destroyed and rebuilt again and again, and the remarkable Gothic architecture that rose from those ashes. We also uncover the darker legends — including the tale of the Hunderprest, one of Britain's earliest documented vampire myths — and ask why a bagpipe-playing pig is carved into the abbey walls.Whether you're planning a visit to the Scottish Borders, fascinated by Scottish history, or simply love a good ghost story, this episode has something for you.For photographs and more information, please see the website https://thistleandtime.scotMusic creditsEmotional Piano Improvisation by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.comRoyalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Sky by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USEchoes of Rain by Ethereal 88 | https://ethereal88.bandcamp.comRoyalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.comI walk with Ghosts by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Explore the dark and dramatic history of Newark Tower, also known as Newark Castle, in the Scottish Borders, a ruined stronghold overlooking the Yarrow Water near Selkirk. In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, discover how this 15th-century tower-house survived sieges during the Rough Wooing, only to be burned and later rebuilt—before becoming the site of a notorious massacre following the Battle of Philiphaugh in 1645.Uncover the stories of war, destruction, and legend surrounding Newark Tower, including its role in the turbulent Border conflicts, and the chilling tales of hauntings said to echo through its ruins. Perfect for anyone interested in Scottish history, castles, Border conflicts, and historic sites to visit in the Scottish Borders.For photographs and more information, please see https://thistleandtime.scotMusic creditsReverie by Scott Buckley | Beautiful Oblivion by Scott Buckley | Jul by Scott Buckleyhttps://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Discover the forgotten story of Whiteside Tower, a ruined peel tower hidden in the Scottish Borders near Mellerstain House. In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we learn how this small fortified tower once provided protection in a lawless landscape defined by   Border Reivers’ activity. We also uncover the later history of the site under Robert Baillie of Jerviswood, a Covenanter martyr executed in 1684 during Scotland’s religious conflicts. From its earliest days, this episode reveals how one little-known ruin connects to some of the most dramatic events in Scottish history.For photographs and more information, see https://thistleandtime.scotMusic credits:Sky by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USBeauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_USVillage Ambience by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Explore the dramatic story of Drochil Castle, one of the most intriguing and unfinished castles in the Scottish Borders. Built in 1578 by James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, Regent of Scotland, this ambitious fortress-palace was intended to be his luxurious retirement residence. But Morton’s sudden fall from power and execution brought construction to an abrupt halt, leaving Drochil as a haunting reminder of political intrigue, shifting loyalties, and the turbulent final years of Mary, Queen of Scots' reign.In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we uncover the fascinating rise and fall of Morton, explore the unique Z-plan design of Drochil Castle, and reveal how this remarkable ruin fits into the wider story of Scotland’s violent 16th-century politics. From royal conspiracies and regencies to unfinished walls that still dominate the Borders landscape near Peebles, this episode brings to life one of Scotland’s most overlooked historic castles. Perfect for listeners interested in Scottish history, ruined castles, and the hidden stories of the Borders.For photographs and more information about this and other places covered in the podcast series, please visit the website https://thistleandtime.scot

High above the Gala Water near Galashiels, the ruined walls of Buckholm Tower are a reminder of the violent and mysterious past of the Scottish Borders. Built in 1582 by the Pringle family during the turbulent era of the Border Reivers, this fortified tower house served as both residence and refuge. In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we explore the origins of Buckholm Tower, and its connection to the powerful Pringle family.But Buckholm’s story takes a darker turn in the 17th century during the persecution of the Scottish Covenanters under Charles II.  Blending history, folklore, and the dramatic religious conflicts of the Killing Times, this episode uncovers one of the Scottish Borders’ most chilling and little-known stories.Music creditsEight Mountains by Savfk https://www.youtube.com/savfkmusicHymn To The Dawn by Scott Buckley https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Relaxed Walk by Vitaliy Hryshko https://pixabay.com/music/search/vitaliy_hryshko/

Roxburgh Castle is one of the most strategically important, and now most overlooked, medieval fortresses in Scotland. Perched above the meeting of the Rivers Tweed and Teviot, its commanding position gave it control of the lower Tweed valley and Teviotdale, making it a key military stronghold in the Wars of Scottish Independence and the long centuries of Anglo-Scottish border warfare.For more than 300 years, Roxburgh Castle was fought over, besieged, captured and recaptured as the crowns of Scotland and England battled for dominance. Its repeated changes of hands reflect the relentless struggle for control of the eastern approaches to Scotland.Although only fragmentary ruins survive today, Roxburgh Castle remains rich in hidden history. Its broken walls and earthworks still tell a story of warfare, royal ambition and the turbulent past of the Scottish Borders.For more information and photographs, please see the website https://thistleandtime.scot

The turbulent history of the Scottish Borders is filled with warfare, feuds and survival — and no story captures it better than that of the Border Reivers. In this special extended episode, we explore the rise of the Border Reivers, the notorious riding families who dominated the Anglo-Scottish frontier for centuries. Shaped by relentless conflict between Scotland and England, they built an economy based on livestock raiding, ransom and blackmail, leaving their mark on every Peel tower, castle and ruin across the Borders.Told from a distinctly Scottish Borders perspective, this episode uncovers the origins, power struggles and lasting legacy of these infamous reiving families, whose influence defined one of the most lawless and dramatic chapters in Scottish history.Music credits:Undertow | Snowfall | I Walk With Ghosts | All the above music tracks by Scott Buckleyhttps://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/For further information on places visited in this podcast series, please see https://thistleandtime.scot

It's a ruin today, but Posso Tower, close to the Manor Water, was home to the Bairds, and then the Naesmyths. Records are sparse, but they quietly negotiated the Border Reiver era and the Rough Wooing. Then, during the Marian Civil War, Sir Michael Naesyth fought at Langside for Mary, Queen of Scots. The hidden history of Posso Tower will tell you what happened next.

This is the story of Branxholme Castle and the family who built it. It was the seat of the Scott family. Infamous Border Reivers, raiders, feud-leaders, and warlords. Yet they also served the Scottish Crown as Wardens of the Marches. Nowhere was their authority more clearly expressed than at Branxholme itself.

It witnessed the Border Reivers and the Rough Wooing, and its laird was charged with murder.  Whitslaid Tower was one of several strongholds held by the influential Lauder family, who played a significant role in local Border politics for around 300 years.

Smailholm Tower’s outstanding views over the surrounding countryside gave it a much-needed defensive advantage at a time when border violence was normal.Smailholm was raided frequently during the Rough Wooing, and attacked during the Bishop’s Wars. But it was also an inspiration for Scotland’s famous writer, Walter Scott.

It is one of the most visually dramatic castles along the Anglo-Scottish border, and stuffed with history. It literally towers above the visitor, evoking awe and amazement that such a structure was built without modern technology. It changed hands between the Scottish and English many times. It is also a place where a queen rode, where a sheriff starved to death, and perhaps also where ghosts now roam.

Corsbie Tower is a lonely-looking 16th-century ruin in the Scottish Borders. Its broken walls are a window into the lawless nature of southern Scotland in the 1500s. This was the era of the Reivers, families of thieves whose loyalty was to kin rather than country.

This is the story of Mangerton Tower, ancestral seat of the Armstrongs. A place that, although now a broken ruin, once stood at the epicentre of some of the most dramatic and violent episodes in Border history.

Clinging to a sheer headland where the North Sea crashes against the cliffs, the scant ruins of Fast Castle are a place where history, legend, and geography collide.Once a stronghold of the Home family, Fast Castle is a dramatic reminder of the border’s turbulent past.

Today it's a romantic ruin, but the story of Elibank Castle is fascinating. Built in the final decades of the Border Reivers era, and home to the powerful Murray family, this castle gives us murder, feud, and the story of Muckle-Mouthed Meg.

The ruin of Cardrona Tower sits high on a hillside, surrounded by forest, overlooking the River Tweed. Its stones are broken, its stairway collapsed, and its courtyard long overgrown. Yet here, in this quiet clearing, lies a doorway into one of the most volatile centuries the Borders ever knew.

This fortress was constructed in the 1450s by the Kerrs of Cessford. Notorious and influential Border Reivers, the castle was their main stronghold in a network of fortified houses. Today, Cessford Castle is silent — a broken giant of red stone. But in the 15th and 16th centuries, these walls were alive with politics, treachery… and war.

Dryhope Tower is a significant ruined tower house located in the valley of the Yarrow Water, near to St Mary’s Loch. To the casual visitor, it is a picturesque ruin, but look a little deeper, and Dryhope Tower hides a turbulent history and some romantic border folklore.

This now-restored, historic 16th-century tower house looks out over Teviotdale and beyond from its lofty position, high up on Minto Crags. With commanding views and an unusual name, it has survived centuries of border conflicts, different owners, and periods of neglect.

Wallace's Tower is a ruined 16th-century tower house, situated near the small village of Roxburgh next to the River Teviot. Sitting alone in a field, its crumbling and overgrown walls conceal a brief history filled with violence and intrigue.

Rhymer’s Tower is the ruin of a 16th-century Border peel tower situated in the village of Earlston. Very little remains today, but it has a story to tell, one where history and folklore are forever bound together.

The story of Littledean Tower, built in the 16th century, attacked by an English Army, and home to notorious Border Reivers.

The story of Fulton Tower, rebuilt from the ashes of one of the darkest campaigns in Scotland's history, the Rough Wooing. Today, Fulton Tower is a lonely ruin, standing in a field some 4.5 miles southwest of Jedburgh. But it was most likely built in the late 1500s after an earlier tower house was destroyed by English forces led by the Earl of Hertford.