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)

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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)

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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)

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Podcast theme music from pixabay.com

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

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Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

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Podcast theme from Pixabay.com

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/

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)

In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we explore the fascinating story of Torwoodlee Tower near Galashiels.

Discover how this impressive sixteenth-century tower house became entwined with the violent world of the Border Reivers, the devastating aftermath of the Battle of Flodden, bitter clan feuds, and the religious upheavals that shaped seventeenth-century Scotland. Follow the fortunes of the Pringle family as they endured murder, political persecution, exile and eventual restoration during one of the most turbulent periods in Scottish history.

Today, Torwoodlee Tower stands as one of the Scottish Borders' lesser-known historic sites. Join host David as he uncovers the stories behind this hidden landmark and explains why it remains an important reminder of Scotland's past.

For more information about Torwoodlee Tower and other fascinating historic places across the Borders, visit https://thistleandtime.scot.

Music in this Podcast

"A Kind of Hope" "At The End Of All Things" and "Discovery" All 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)

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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.scot

Music credits

Aurora by Scott Buckley | In Search Of Solitude 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/

Podcast theme from Pixabay.com