Mark Nicol
Historian – Filmmaker – Blogger –
Guided Tours – Group Speaker
My Latest Video / Blog
Romans in the Borders week on Discover Scottish Borders
A week’s worth of my videos on how the Romans lived and influenced the Scottish Borders area.
About Discover Scottish Borders
Discover Scottish Borders is a website and social media stream to showcase an intrepid explorer of the Scottish Borders and the borderland between Scotland and England. I cover the Myths and legends as well as strange places – I also have a love for the wildlife that frequents this area! My website is for everyone who has a connection with the Scottish Borders, whether you live here, have visited (or even want to visit), your ancestors came from here or if you just like the look of this beautiful region!
Technically, as it stands today the Scottish Borders is a council areal formed in 1975 – Although my work is not to be confused as solely concentrating on the council area but rather the whole of the Anglo-Scottish border area that has seen some of the most extravagant moments in history of the British Isles
Historically, the term Borders has a wider meaning, referring to all of the burghs adjoining the English border, also including Dumfriesshire and Kirkcudbrightshire — as well as Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmorland in England.
Roxburghshire and Berwickshire historically bore the brunt of the conflicts with England, both during declared wars such as the Wars of Scottish Independence, and armed raids which took place in the times of the Border Reivers. Thus, across the region are to be seen the ruins of many castles, abbeys and even towns.
The Scottish Borders has seen evidence from Pictish tribes, Roman Strongholds right through to important battles and documented papers that played a vital part of the several Wars of Independence.
This is all done in Mark’s free time and days off!
Recently Mark has appeared in a BBC Regional Broadcast with his own segment telling the tale of the Border Reivers.
Mark is also in demand as a speaker at local community groups where he showcases his self-learnt knowledge.
More Of My Work
The Holiest Place In the Scottish Borders?
by Mark Nicol | June 30, 2017 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates a mysterious, huge cross prominent on a remote hill side near Peebles.
Shorts – Relics of Roxburgh
by Mark Nicol | March 23, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
The ancient town of Roxburgh lies buried and forgotten. Only 2 stone relics survive from the lost town. A man takes a look at them.
Remembering The Battle of Flodden
by Mark Nicol | August 1, 2017 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man travels to fantastical ruined castles, old bridges and monuments to uncover the history of the Battle of Flodden. The most disastrous day ever in Scottish Borders history.
Scottish Borders Legends…The Black Douglas
by Mark Nicol | October 15, 2015 | Videos | 0 Comments
The life of Scotland’s fiercest ever warrior the Black Douglas.
Also the site of ancient Scottish fortress Roxburgh Castle is investigated.
Willie Armstrong’s Grave
by Mark Nicol | November 18, 2018 | Videos | 0 Comments
The graves of Border Reivers are few and far between.
In this new film we go looking for one of the most notorious of all ….Kinmont Willie Armstrong’s burial
place..
Hermitage Castle ghost??
by Mark Nicol | April 28, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man unwittingly captures a strange figure on film at Hermitage Castle while filming a video about the Borders Reivers
Scottish Border Legends, Kinmont Willie
by Mark Nicol | October 24, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man goes on a search for the lost grave of notorious Border Reiver Kinmont Willie Armstrong.
Scots Dyke
by Mark Nicol | October 19, 2016 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments
A man goes in search of the legendary Scots Dyke.
History During Lockdown
by Mark Nicol | May 27, 2020 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man finds some interesting history on his doorstep during lock-down!
Tunneling Tommy The Teviotdale Tiger
by Mark Nicol | February 3, 2017 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man enters the cavernous abyss that is Peebles Neidpath Railway tunnel, searching for a long lost relative.
Tallest Bridge In the World (1794)
by Mark Nicol | April 22, 2017 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man searches for the tallest bridge in the Scottish Borders, which was the tallest bridge in the world at the time of its construction …. with some dramatic results.
Norham Castle – Not what we expected
by Mark Nicol | May 18, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A recent visit to Norham Castle turned out “not what we expected”.
Soutra Aisle – In Pictures
by Stuart Wilson | January 25, 2018 | Bloggings | 0 Comments
Some pictures of our visit to Soutra Aisle
Scottish Borders Caves
by Mark Nicol | August 27, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man searches for more caves in the Scottish Borders, this time near the village of Roxburgh
Pray For Otters In Galashiels
by Mark Nicol | March 6, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man takes us on the emotional roller coaster of a journey that is spotting otters in the Scottish Borders.
William Wallace’s View
by Stuart Wilson | January 15, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments
A man wonders what William Wallace has been looking at for 200 years
Scottish Border Legends: Little Jock Elliot
by Mark Nicol | October 28, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates the life of notorious Scottish Border Reiver, Little Jock Elliot. And looks into the real reason Mary Queen of Scots was in Jedburgh
Covenanter Murder – John Hunter 1685
by Mark Nicol | May 22, 2018 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates the murder , in 1685, of a Covenanter based soley on his religion amid the stunning scenery of Tweedsmuir and the Scottish Borderlands.
Galashiels Mysteries – Wallace’s Putting Stone
by Mark Nicol | March 16, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man goes in search of the legendary “Wallace’s Putting Stone” at the summit of Meigle Hill in Galashiels.
Summer Solstice Sunset Eildon Hills
by Mark Nicol | June 21, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man walks up Eildon Hill North to film the Summer Solstice sunset of 2019
What Else Do I Do?
Day and Extended Tours
I operate day tours and extended tours originating in the Scottish Borders and outreaching to the rest of Scotland & parts of England to tell the tales of the Anglo-Scots Borderlands
The Itinerary is customised to aid history buffs, spiritual seekers, family heritage research and general appreciation of the Scottish Borders beautiful landscapes and rolling hills
Group Speaking
I am also available to provide talks for groups who are interested in the history of the Borders Region
As you can see, Mark has a real passion for the unknown and forgotten history and presents his videos in a unique way to engage an audience and bring a fun way of keeping the Borders Spirit alive”