Hidden Histories Of The Scottish Borders cover art

Hidden Histories Of The Scottish Borders

Hidden Histories Of The Scottish Borders

By: Thistle and Time
Listen for free

About this listen

 Bringing you stories behind some of the castles, tower houses, and other historic ruins in the Scottish Borders. Each episode examines a specific site, its history, and how to visit. You'll hear about Reivers, raids, wars, and the families from our turbulent past, along with a little touch of folklore. New episodes are uploaded every week, all hosted by David. For detailed information about the places in these podcasts, go to https://thistleandtime.scotThistle and Time World
Episodes
  • Smailholm Tower, A Silent Sentinel

    Smailholm Tower, A Silent Sentinel
    Feb 12 2026

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Hermitage Castle, Fortress Of The Bloodiest Valley

    Hermitage Castle, Fortress Of The Bloodiest Valley
    Feb 5 2026

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Corsbie Tower, Relic Of The Reiving Age

    Corsbie Tower, Relic Of The Reiving Age
    Jan 29 2026

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.