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
Highland Tour pt3
by Mark Nicol | June 16, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man from the Scottish Borders visits the Scottish Highlands, then discusses how the Borders can compete with the stunning Highland landscapes
Old Melrose WW2 Bunker
by Stuart Wilson | October 18, 2017 | Bloggings | 0 Comments
In pictures – Our visit to Old Melrose WW2 Bunker
Shorts – Buzzard
by Mark Nicol | November 5, 2018 | Videos | 0 Comments
While out filming I get a lucky shot of a buzzard
Deep Cave Exploration
by Mark Nicol | September 6, 2020 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man searches for a mysterious cave on the Scottish Borders East coast.
Eildon Hills Standing Stones
by Mark Nicol | September 12, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man looks at a standing stone in the Scottish Borders which faces the Eildon Hills. Then wonders if this stone is maybe part of a far larger temple.
In Picture: Cavers Castle/House Nr Denholm
by Mark Nicol | October 18, 2016 | Submitted Pictures | 0 Comments
Take a look at the Then and Now of this building
Shorts – Black Douglas Outlaw King
by Mark Nicol | November 15, 2018 | Videos | 0 Comments
The Black Douglas in the new Netflix movie Outlaw King
Loch Ness and Skye
by Mark Nicol | October 17, 2020 | Videos | 0 Comments
Scenery highlights from touring Loch Ness and Skye
Soutra Aisle – In Pictures
by Stuart Wilson | January 25, 2018 | Bloggings | 0 Comments
Some pictures of our visit to Soutra Aisle
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.
Johnnie Armstrong of Gilnockie
by Mark Nicol | February 12, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man notices a similarity between 2 statues in Galashiels and Carlisle.
And then goes on the trail of the most notorious of the Border Reivers, Johnnie Armstrong.
Hume Castle
by Mark Nicol | March 23, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man explores Hume Castle and talks about its history.
Braw Lads Gathering Galashiels 2019
by Mark Nicol | June 29, 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.
King Arthur in the Scottish Borders
by Mark Nicol | November 22, 2015 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates the connection of King Arthur in the Scottish Borders.
Cave of the Black Douglas
by Mark Nicol | December 9, 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
Borders Horrific Xmas
by Mark Nicol | January 10, 2018 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates ancient monuments and lost villages of Berwickshire then has a supernatural experience at Foul Ford
Fast Castle Scottish Borders Tours
by Mark Nicol | January 22, 2020 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man talks about his tours of the Scottish Borders this year while visiting the spectacular ruins of Fast Castle.
William Wallace’s Castle?
by Mark Nicol | August 27, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man traverses the Gameshope valley near Talla reservoir in the Scottish Borders, searching for the site of a castle said to have been the stronghold of William Wallace
A Tale of two (Scottish Borders) Cities
by Mark Nicol | April 6, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
It may be strange to learn that there was once 2 cities within the Scottish Borders in the 13th and 14th centuries that were highly regarded as the centre of European politics and economy.
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
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”