Mark Nicol
Historian – Filmmaker – Blogger –
Guided Tours – Group Speaker
My Latest Video / Blog
Live Presentation in Galashiels Feb 2023
Thursday 9th February 2023 I will be giving a live presentation in the Volunteer Hall, Galashiels at 7.30pm
Entrance Fee £4 ….. pay at the door
Delve into the untold history of Galashiels during the time of the Border Reivers, and how a lot of this history connects to a mysterious ancient drawbridge which once stood in the 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
MERLINS CAVE AND GRAVE
by Mark Nicol | 27 October, 2021 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates the Wizard Merlin’s supposed baptism and conversion to the Christian faith in Scotland. And searches for the remote and hidden Merlin’s Cave.
Heavily Defended Galashiels
by Mark Nicol | 31 July, 2017 | Videos | 0 Comments
A nightmare(ish) glimpse of the future where everybody wants to get into a heavily defended Galashiels.
Water Bull of Cauldshiels Loch
by Mark Nicol | 4 January, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
We recently sacrificed our new year to camp out and find some crucial evidence for the legend and existence of the “Tarbh Uisge”
WW2 Bunkers and Iron Age Forts
by Mark Nicol | 30 March, 2017 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man searches for a top secret World War 2 Operations bunker + Iron age hill fort, all amongst the stunning Scottish Borders countryside.
Scottish Borders Witch Project
by Mark Nicol | 14 February, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates the brutal witch hunts carried out in the Scottish Borders in the 1500s. A period in history which has largely been swept under the carpet.
The Holiest Place In the Scottish Borders?
by Mark Nicol | 30 June, 2017 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates a mysterious, huge cross prominent on a remote hill side near Peebles.
Shorts – Twizel Castle
by Mark Nicol | 6 December, 2018 | Videos | 0 Comments
We investigate Twizel castle in Northumberland. One of many castles built on the Anglo-Scots Border to protect from marauding Scots armies.
Borders Horrific Xmas
by Mark Nicol | 10 January, 2018 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates ancient monuments and lost villages of Berwickshire then has a supernatural experience at Foul Ford
Extreme Scottish Borders Sea Caves
by Mark Nicol | 14 November, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man searches for a legendary underground cavern. Seemingly only accessible through a long tunnel on a beach. Long lost and forgotten, not on any maps…. is it real?
Heritage trees of Scotland
by Mark Nicol | 13 September, 2020 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man and his daughter search for heritage trees of Scotland in the grounds of Traquair house in the Scottish Borders
Highland Tour pt1
by Mark Nicol | 15 June, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man from the Scottish Borders visits the Scottish Highlands and ponders which is better
The Allure of The Borders Hills
by Mark Nicol | 23 June, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
Simply more reasons to Discover whats on our door step in the Scottish Borders.
Kingfisher in Hawick
by Mark Nicol | 17 November, 2016 | Submitted Pictures | 0 Comments
Captured!- Kingfisher in Hawick
Otters in Galashiels
by Mark Nicol | 1 June, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man and his greyhound spot some otters in a small secluded burn near Galashiels
Hindhope Linn waterfall
by Mark Nicol | 16 January, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man looks at Hindhope Linn waterfall and the enchanting forest it cascades through, in Northern England.
King Arthur in the Scottish Borders
by Mark Nicol | 22 November, 2015 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates the connection of King Arthur in the Scottish Borders.
The Brothers
by Mark Nicol | 16 February, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
The brothers standing stones, Smailholm tower and the Cow Stone
Wallace’s Tower Roxburgh
by Mark Nicol | 31 August, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates a ruined 16th century tower house in the village of Roxburgh, Scottish Borders. The tower is not connected with William Wallace. Warning – contains some bad language.
Druid Stone Circle in the Tweed Valley
by Mark Nicol | 9 December, 2021 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man searches for a Druid Stone Circle in the remotest part of the Tweed Valley in the the Scottish Borders.
Shorts – Scottish Borders Deer
by Mark Nicol | 19 June, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man gets some lucky footage of a deer near Galashiels in the Scottish Borders
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”