Saddle up for the ridings – Since the beginning of the 16th century the Common Ridings have formed an integral part of Scottish Borders tradition. Common Riding is a celebration that involves townsfolk in a grand ‘ride-out’ on horse-back around the town and its historic boundaries. It dates back to a time when they needed […]
Saddle up for the ridings
Hermitage Castle – a study in belligerence
Hermitage Castle – a study in belligerence – Hermitage Castle in the Liddlesdale Valley was once described as the embodiment of ‘sod off’ in stone. It’s a wonderful description. Take a walk around its walls, still standing four-square against all-comers amid wild and remote countryside, and it’s obvious this structure was built to defy. What’s […]
A long way from Rome
A long way from Rome – It might have been the extreme edge of Empire, home to the farthest flung frontier outposts, but the Romans certainly left a size -12 sandal print on the borderlands of Northumberland and Scotland. The man we have to thank is Gnaeus Julius Agricola, and while he might not be […]
Hawick – a rich tapestry of Border traditions
Hawick – a rich tapestry of Border traditions – In its heyday Hawick hummed and thrummed to the rhythm of over 50 textile mills. The fortuitous meeting of Slitrig Water and the River Teviot helped power the water wheels that brought astonishing industrial growth to the town, know the world over for its high class […]
Jedburgh Abbey – gateway to the Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders was a magnet for monks in medieval times – truly men on a mission. In a region with ancient Christian traditions and lured by the promise of royal patronage they set up four mighty monastic institutions at Jedburgh, Melrose, Drybrough and Kelso. Jedburgh Abbey – gateway to the Scottish Borders – There […]
