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
Unbelievable Galashiels wildlife
by Mark Nicol | 21 February, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man spots otters and peregrine falcons while out walking in Galashiels
Re-build Hadrian’s Wall
by Mark Nicol | 29 January, 2017 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments
A nonsense spoof ….. surely this could never happen in modern civilised country???
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.
Finding Merlins Grave
by Mark Nicol | 26 May, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
Proof that Merlin the Wizard existed in the Scottish Borders…..
Edin’s Hall Broch
by Mark Nicol | 21 October, 2015 | Videos | 0 Comments
They don’t make them like this no more!
Edin’s hall Broch near Duns
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
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.
Scotland’s Yew Trees
by Mark Nicol | 28 February, 2020 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man searches for Yew trees in the Scottish Borders at the site of a 6th century abbey Old Melrose. None of these Yews have been recorded before.
The Brothers
by Mark Nicol | 16 February, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
The brothers standing stones, Smailholm tower and the Cow Stone
Scottish Borders Trees
by Mark Nicol | 10 June, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man identifies some common large trees in the Scottish Borders.
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.
Ancient Borderline Strongholds
by Mark Nicol | 2 March, 2019 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man searches for 3 ancient Border Reiver castles. Strongholds of the Douglas and Oliver families right on the Scotland – England Borderline.
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
Quest for the Crystal Well
by Mark Nicol | 17 November, 2016 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man searches for the mysterious Crystal Well in the Scottish Borders, with some terrifying results…
Romans in the Borders week on Discover Scottish Borders
by Mark Nicol | 1 February, 2021 | Bloggings, Videos | 0 Comments
A week’s worth of my videos on how the Romans lived and influenced the Scottish Borders area.
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
Trimontium- Scotland’s Greatest Roman Site / Sight
by Mark Nicol | 3 August, 2018 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man films the outline of Trimontium Roman Fort near Melrose during the drought conditions of 2018 with real dramatic results.
Scottish Borders Hill Forts…HOW MANY?!
by Mark Nicol | 22 October, 2020 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man reveals the huge number of hill forts in the Scottish Borders and goes to investigate one of these at Dreva Craig near Peebles.
Fast Castle Scottish Borders Tours
by Mark Nicol | 22 January, 2020 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man talks about his tours of the Scottish Borders this year while visiting the spectacular ruins of Fast Castle.
The Romans in the Scottish Borders
by Mark Nicol | 18 January, 2017 | Videos | 0 Comments
A man investigates the earthworks on top of Woden Law near Jedburgh and also looks at the Roman road Dere Streeet and Pennymuir Roman camps.
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