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
Shorts – Body Snatchers & Jougs
by Mark Nicol | 26 December, 2018 | Videos | 0 Comments
Taking a look at the interesting and macabre artefacts in Eckford Church yard.
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.
The Douglas Tragedy
by Mark Nicol | 7 August, 2022 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man goes searching for a tower inhabited by the notorious Black Douglas, and a set of stones known as the Douglas Stones. All associated with the Border Ballad… “The Douglas Tragedy”
all set amongst the stunning Scottish Borders landscape
Big Cats In the Scottish Borders?
by Mark Nicol | 11 March, 2020 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man finds potential evidence of big cat activity in the Scottish Borders!!
Scottish Borders Legends…The Black Douglas
by Mark Nicol | 15 October, 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.
Shorts – Black Douglas Outlaw King
by Mark Nicol | 15 November, 2018 | Videos | 0 Comments
The Black Douglas in the new Netflix movie Outlaw King
Tunneling Tommy The Teviotdale Tiger
by Mark Nicol | 3 February, 2017 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man enters the cavernous abyss that is Peebles Neidpath Railway tunnel, searching for a long lost relative.
Cave of the Black Douglas
by Mark Nicol | 9 December, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man searches for the mysterious Ancrum caves and then goes on to look for a cave reputedly used by the Black Douglas himself near Jedburgh
Border Reivers may have used advance technology
Highland Tour pt2
by Mark Nicol | 15 June, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man from the Scottish Borders visits the Scottish Highlands
In the footsteps of William Wallace
by Mark Nicol | 23 March, 2021 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man traces the movements of William Wallace through the castles, churches, caves and battlefields of Southern Scotland and the Scottish Borders.
Scots Dyke
by Mark Nicol | 19 October, 2016 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments
A man goes in search of the legendary Scots Dyke.
Winter Wildlife on the River Tweed
by Mark Nicol | 6 February, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
We think a lot more could be done to promote the area for wildlife tourism.
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
Shorts – Reivers murder
by Mark Nicol | 9 January, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
“Put to the horn” what can it mean?
A common punishment dished out to Border Reivers.
Braw Lads Gathering Galashiels 2019
by Mark Nicol | 29 June, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
All the Scottish Border towns have “Common Ridings” or Gatherings each summer to commemorate the history and traditions of each place. The horse has been an integral part of Border culture since the Reiving times.
Whytbank Tower – Scottish Borders Haunted Towers
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”
Shorts – Cauldshiels hill fort and the Catrail
by Mark Nicol | 20 October, 2018 | Videos | 0 Comments
A look at Cauldshiels Hill, hill fort and the stand-off with the Rink fort and Catrail across the valley
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”
Contact me