Mark Nicol
Historian – Filmmaker – Blogger –
Guided Tours – Group Speaker
My Latest Video / Blog
Scotland’s Greatest War Memorial?
A man looks at the Border Reiver in Galashiels. Often cited as the greatest war memorial in Scotland. But why does a WWI / WWII memorial feature a 16th century Border raider??
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 – Scottish Borders Birds
by Mark Nicol | 17 March, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A short collage of birds in the Scottish Borders in March 2019
Ruberslaw Scottish Borders
by Mark Nicol | 1 December, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man climbs Ruberslaw in the Scottish Borders for the first time and wonders at the stunning panoramas.
Gala Aisle Gravestone Translation
by Mark Nicol | 9 August, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man finds the translation of a 17th century Latin inscribed gravestone in Galashiels, which remembers the battle of Dunbar
Forgotten Galashiels
by Mark Nicol | 30 September, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man walks from Galashiels to Clovenfords via the forgotten Blindlee Tower and mysterious Meigle Pots. Also features a clip from “Am no a Grass”
Lost Border Reiver Towers
by Mark Nicol | 6 February, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man searches for three lost and forgotten Reiver strongholds in the Scottish Borders. All brought to his attention by one passage in an ancient and obscure book.
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.
Scottish Borders Coast
by Mark Nicol | 10 March, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates the site of a pivotal moment in World War 1
The Linton Worm
by Mark Nicol | 11 January, 2017 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man goes in search of the most ferocious and terrifying creature ever to stalk the countryside of the Borders.
Sunrise and Spirits
by Mark Nicol | 8 September, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man climbs the Eildon Hills in the Scottish Borders to witness the sunrise and find the mountain spirit.
Scottish Borders Caves
by Mark Nicol | 27 August, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man searches for more caves in the Scottish Borders, this time near the village of Roxburgh
Galashiels to the Black Hill
by Mark Nicol | 16 May, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man treks 12 miles from Galashiels to Black Hill near Earlston taking in some history and scenery on the way.
Hume Castle
by Mark Nicol | 23 March, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man explores Hume Castle and talks about its history.
Music of the Trees
by Mark Nicol | 27 November, 2020 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man uses a clever piece of tech to convert electric impulses of plants into music. He goes searching for the legendary ancient Yew Trees at Traquair in the Scottish Borders to hear their song.
Border Widow’s Lament
by Mark Nicol | 10 May, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates the execution of William Cockburn the notorious Border Reiver, killed by King James V, and searches for the remains of Cockburn’s castle and chapel.
Forgotten Landscape Scottish Borders
by Mark Nicol | 19 July, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates the forgotten tower, village and Inn of Westhouses near Galashiels, stronghold of the Ormiston family. Then finds evidence of Westhouses Corn Mill, the first ever mill in Galashiels
Genocide in the Scottish Borders
by Mark Nicol | 8 January, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
The Roman Army had a lot of ambitions for Caledonia. One of the lesser known ones was complete genocide of the Scottish people. A man investigates this at Trimontium Roman Fort in the Scottish Borders.
Borders Tours – Edins Hall Broch
by Mark Nicol | 23 January, 2020 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man explores 2000 year old Edins Hall Broch in the Scottish Borders, and talks about tours to this site.
Scottish Border Legends, Kinmont Willie
by Mark Nicol | 24 October, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man goes on a search for the lost grave of notorious Border Reiver Kinmont Willie Armstrong.
Whitslaid Tower, Lauder, Berwickshire
Scottish Independence March Galashiels
by Mark Nicol | 1 June, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
All Under One Banner, peaceful demonstration march against Westminster rule in Scotland. Thousands of people took to the streets of Galashiels on 1st June 2019 to show their support for Scottish Independence.
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”