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/

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

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