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.scot

Music credits

Emotional Piano Improvisation by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com

Royalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

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Sky by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/

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Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Echoes of Rain by Ethereal 88 | https://ethereal88.bandcamp.com

Royalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com

I walk with Ghosts 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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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.scot

Music credits

Reverie by Scott Buckley | Beautiful Oblivion by Scott Buckley | 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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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.scot

Music credits:

Sky by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/

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Creative Commons / Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Village Ambience by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com

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Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/