Mark Nicol

Watch Mark Nicol meet a little egret hunting along the River Tweed, and look more closely at the wildlife of the Scottish Borders.

Mark follows the earthwork known as Wallace’s Trench in the hills between Galashiels and Innerleithen, asking what its name and the Catrail can tell us.

Hidden in a forest glen near Coldstream, Routin Linn holds one of the most extraordinary examples of prehistoric art in Britain.

High above Peebles, the cone-shaped summit of Newby Kipps rises like a silent sentinel over the Tweed Valley.

In this thought-provoking exploration, a visit to Berwick-upon-Tweed—often called the only Scottish town in England—uncovers layers of history, identity, and forgotten heritage embedded in its stones. Once a flashpoint in centuries of Anglo-Scottish conflict, Berwick still echoes with the legacy of Wallace, Bruce, and Edward I.

Why is there a Wallace statue in the Borders? Because without Wallace, there’d be no Border clans, no frontier to defend — no Scottish Borders as we know them. His defiance shaped this land. This monument above Bemersyde isn’t just scenic — it’s sentinel.

A quick, playful Mark Nicol Short built around the old fear and fascination of the Anglo-Scottish frontier.

In 1909, a 2,000-year-old Roman altar to the goddess Diana was uncovered at Trimontium Fort in the Scottish Borders. But could there be a more modern monument to this ancient deity still hiding in plain sight?

Join me on a journey to the summit of Yeavering Bell — the grandest hill fort in Northern England, towering near the Scottish Border. But how does this ancient Votadini stronghold compare to the likes of Eildon Hill or Traprain Law across the line?

Explore Bremenium, a Roman fortress perched beyond Hadrian’s Wall, built for war and survival on the edge of empire. From Roman legions to Reiver raids, its stones echo with centuries of borderland conflict.

A short view of the Waterloo Monument on Peniel Heugh, with the Eildon Hills in the distance.

Explore the mystery of Heriot’s Dyke and Harefaulds Hillfort, where ancient earthworks whisper stories of Scotland’s tribal past. These forgotten landscapes reveal Iron Age defences and a legacy carved into the hills of the Borders.

Near the quiet village of Lyne, layers of history converge — from Roman roads to Celtic settlements, early Christian sites, and carved gravestones. One small area, four powerful time periods etched into the Borders landscape.

Mark’s short film turns to Norham Castle on the Tweed, a fortress repeatedly caught in Anglo-Scottish conflict.

One misty morning, a lone climber reaches the summit of the Eildon Hills and breaks through the fog into golden stillness. Above the clouds, the Borders lie hidden—silent, ancient, and sublime.

A 2,000-year-old hill fort near Galashiels, long hidden beneath dense woodland, is revealed as trees are cleared for the first time in over a century. This spring, Rink Fort steps back into the light—ready to share its ancient story.

A man explores the deep connection between Lady’s Well and Harbottle Castle in Northumberland — where sacred spring meets Reiver stronghold. Here, faith, folklore, and frontier conflict flow together on the edge of two nations.

Tracing the mystical Spine of Albion through Northern England and into the Scottish Borders reveals ancient alignments and forgotten energies. 🌀 Near Peebles, the landscape whispers of a lost stone circle that may have once crowned this sacred line.

On the summit of Tor Hill near Peebles, strange alignments and ancient echoes hint at more than mere coincidence. 🌀 This mysterious high point may hold forgotten connections woven into the sacred landscape of the Borders.

📣 Live Talk – Thursday 9th February 2023 🕢 7.30pm | 📍 Volunteer Hall, Galashiels 🎟️ Entrance £4 – Pay at the Door Join me for an evening exploring the untold history of Galashiels during the Border Reivers era. Discover how this turbulent time links to a mysterious ancient drawbridge once standing in the area — a forgotten piece of local heritage with st

In Galashiels stands a striking war memorial — often hailed as Scotland’s greatest — featuring not a modern soldier, but a fierce 16th-century Border Reiver. 🏇 Why does a monument to the fallen of WWI and WWII honour a raider from centuries before? The answer lies in identity, resilience, and a region’s enduring spirit.

In 1629, Peebles was swept by radical religious fervour that spiralled into one of its darkest chapters. 🔥 The witch trials that followed left a legacy of fear, injustice, and forgotten lives.

James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, penned Lock the Door Lariston in the early 1800s as a stirring homage to the Border Ballads. 📜 With echoes of Reiver raids and clan loyalty, the poem captures the fierce magic of Scotland’s storytelling tradition.

Among the haunting hills of the Yarrow Valley lies the tale of The Douglas Tragedy — a Border Ballad rooted in blood and betrayal. 🏰 The search leads to a ruined tower once tied to the Black Douglas and a mysterious set of grave-marking stones known as the Douglas Stones.

Hidden in the wilds near Canonbie, the search for Gilnknockie Castle uncovers echoes of one of the Border’s most feared Reivers — Johnnie Armstrong. 🏰 Though time has worn it down, this possible stronghold still whispers of betrayal, ballads, and bloody justice.

In the remote reaches of the Tweed Valley near Fruid Reservoir, a search begins for a forgotten Druid stone circle hidden among the hills. 🪨 Here, ancient myths and rugged landscapes converge in one of the Borders’ most mystical settings.

Compelling evidence emerges of Viking settlers in the Scottish Borderlands — from hogback graves to Norse place names etched into the land. ⚔️ These quiet traces reveal a forgotten chapter of Scandinavian influence south of the Highlands.

Astonishing footage reveals the vast scale of the ancient settlement on Eildon Hill North — once a mighty Iron Age stronghold above Melrose. 🏔️ Thanks to LiDAR technology, hidden ramparts and structures emerge from the landscape, rewriting what we know about Scotland’s tribal past.

In the wild hills near Moffat, a search unfolds for the elusive Merlin’s Cave — linked to the legendary wizard’s baptism and conversion by Saint Mungo. 🌿 Blending myth, faith, and folklore, this journey into Merlindale uncovers echoes of a druidic past fading into Christian lore.

After news of the partial collapse of the ancient Capon Tree, a search begins across the Scottish Borders for more of Scotland’s oldest and grandest trees. 🌳 These living monuments—like the Apostle Sycamore and the Tennis Ash—stand as silent witnesses to centuries of Border history.

Follow the footsteps of William Wallace through the castles, churches, caves, and battlefields of Southern Scotland and the Borders. ⚔️ From Ettrick Forest to St Mary’s Loch, the landscape still echoes with the legacy of Scotland’s Guardian.

In the shadow of the Pentlands near Carlops, a chilling relic emerges from the dark era of Scotland’s witch hunts — a place once feared as the Carlin Leap. 🧹 It stands as a grim reminder of the women lost to superstition and silence.

Spend a week diving into the world of the Romans in the Scottish Borders — from forts and roads to daily life on the frontier. 🏛️ These videos uncover how Roman presence shaped the land, its people, and its legacy.

Among the crumbling walls of Elibank Castle, a search begins for the elusive and unsettling False Widow spiders. 🕷️ Blending ancient ruins with modern fears, this creepy encounter brings a new kind of chill to the Scottish Borders.

Pedalling through the war-torn landscapes of the Scottish Borders, a cyclist reaches crumbling 16th-century towers like Elibank Castle — once strongholds of the Border Reivers. 🚴‍♂️ Every mile reveals a tale of feuds, folklore, and frontier survival.

Using a clever piece of tech that transforms plant impulses into sound, a journey begins to the ancient Yew trees of Traquair to hear their hidden song. 🌲🎶 In the stillness of the forest, centuries of life hum through the leaves in a symphony of science and wonder.

On a five-mile walk from Peebles, multiple ancient hill forts emerge from the landscape — silent sentinels of the Iron Age. 🛡️ These lost strongholds, once held by the Selgovae tribe, reveal a hidden tapestry of Borders history underfoot.

With over 400 hill forts scattered across the Scottish Borders, the landscape holds a forgotten story of ancient defence. 🛡️ One such site, Dreva Craig near Peebles, offers a dramatic glimpse into Iron Age fortification and frontier life.

Touring Loch Ness and Skye offers some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery — from the mysterious depths of the loch to the dramatic peaks of the Old Man of Storr. 🏞️ Waterfalls, castles, and Highland magic await around every bend.

In the rugged Rule Valley, a search unfolds for ancient fortified sites tied to the notorious Turnbulls — one of the most feared Border Reiver families. 🏰 From Bedrule Castle to Fatlips Tower, their legacy still looms over the hills of the Scottish Borders.

Drawn to a hill near his new home, an early riser sets out in the darkness to catch the sunrise over Innerleithen. 🌄 As light breaks over Lee Pen, the Scottish Borders reveal their quiet, breathtaking beauty.

A father and daughter visit the breathtaking Falls of Clyde, where cascading waterfalls meet ancient woodland in Southern Scotland. 💧🌲 It’s a perfect blend of nature, history, and quality time near New Lanark.

A father and daughter explore the ancient grounds of Traquair House, searching for Scotland’s heritage trees among the legendary Dancing Yews. 🌳✨ These living relics of Ettrick Forest whisper stories older than the house itself.

On the rugged east coast of the Scottish Borders, a search begins for a mysterious cave near Cove Harbour — whispered to have once sheltered smugglers and secrets. 🌊 Hidden in the cliffs, it’s a place where history meets the thrill of discovery.

In the quiet lanes near St Boswells, a search unfolds for a legendary crab apple tree — rumoured to be one of the oldest in the UK. 🌳 Twisted with age and folklore, this hidden giant stands as a living relic of the Borders’ natural heritage.

Near Newcastleton, a remarkable site unfolds — a stone circle, castle ruins, and mysterious ditches all nestled within the forgotten landscape of Kirndean. 🏰🪨 It’s a place where ancient ritual, medieval power, and untold history collide.

Inspired by the Chalice Well of Glastonbury, a search begins for sacred water sources hidden in the hills and valleys of the Scottish Borders. 💧 Along the way, ancient wells linked to saints, legends, and forgotten rites reveal a dramatic spiritual landscape beneath the surface.

Hidden in the hills near Peebles, a mysterious monolith emerges from the landscape — its origins unknown, its presence powerful. 🪨 The search then turns to the nearby heights, in pursuit of the ancient people who may have raised it.

During lockdown, unexpected history reveals itself just beyond the doorstep — from ancient hillforts to traces of Roman Britain. 🏡 Sometimes, the past is closer than we think.

A brief look at Horsburgh Castle near Peebles, where a sixteenth-century tower occupies ground associated with an earlier hillfort.

In an archived live conversation, Mark shares the Borders books that have helped him follow stories, places and people across the region.

Deep in the forests of the Tweed Valley, a search unfolds for a forgotten Border Reiver tower — hidden, weathered, and rich in untold stories. 🌲🏰 Amid solitude and trees, the legacy of Cardrona Tower rises once more.

In the quiet countryside near Romannobridge, unusual signs suggest possible big cat activity lurking in the Scottish Borders. 🐾 Could legends of black panthers be more than just local myth?

At the site of the 6th-century abbey of Old Melrose, a search uncovers unrecorded Yew trees, silent witnesses to centuries of spiritual and natural history. 🌿 These ancient guardians may predate written memory, rooted in the sacred soil of the Borders.

Beneath an old bridge in the Scottish Borders, legend tells of a strange jail known as Nell Logan’s Jail — a tiny, forgotten cell said to hold tales from the Napoleonic era. ⛓️ The search for this hidden prison uncovers whispers of folklore and forgotten justice.

Exploring the 2,000-year-old Edins Hall Broch in the Scottish Borders reveals one of the most remarkable and rare Iron Age structures in southern Scotland. 🏺 With stunning views and ancient walls, it’s a perfect site for guided tours into Scotland’s prehistoric past.

While visiting the dramatic cliffside ruins of Fast Castle, a guide reflects on his upcoming tours across the Scottish Borders. 🏰 From coastal fortresses to Reiver tales, each journey reveals a hidden chapter of Scotland’s untamed past.

In the hills and valleys of the Scottish Borders, a search unfolds for ancient hill forts and stone circles once sacred to pre-Christian peoples. 🌀 Long before Christmas, these pagan communities marked the Winter Solstice with rituals tied to the land — but does the evidence still remain?

At the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, a remarkable hoard of Roman treasure from Trimontium glitters under glass — artefacts taken from the heart of the Scottish Borders. 🏺 As their story unfolds, so does the question: should they one day return home?

A search begins for a legendary underground cavern said to lie hidden beneath the sands near Cove Harbour, reachable only by a secret tunnel. 🌊 Long forgotten and absent from maps, this mysterious place blurs the line between myth and reality.

Long before Dracula, whispers of vampires haunted the Scottish Borders — including a chilling 12th-century tale linked to Melrose Abbey. 🦇 This investigation uncovers one of Britain’s earliest vampire legends, buried in medieval fear and folklore.

Inspired by a poem from William Wordsworth, a journey begins into the Borrowdale Valley to find the ancient yew trees he once described. 🌿 Thanks to Michael Dunning and Yew Tree Mysteries, these timeless guardians continue to share their silent wisdom.

A lone standing stone in the Scottish Borders faces directly towards the Eildon Hills — a silent sentinel with a possible deeper purpose. 🪨 Could it be just one fragment of a vast forgotten temple, aligned with ancient beliefs and celestial forces?

Climbing the Eildon Hills before dawn, the rising sun casts golden light across the Borders — and with it, a sense of something ancient stirring. 🌄 In that still moment, the presence of the mountain spirit feels almost real.

Exploring the woods of the Scottish Borders, a rich and overlooked food source reveals itself — acorns, beech nuts, and other wild edibles in abundance. 🌰 Nature provides freely, if you know where (and how) to look.

In the village of Roxburgh, a crumbling 16th-century tower house draws investigation — often misattributed to William Wallace, but with its own layered past. 🏰 This off-the-beaten-path ruin holds mystery, myth, and a few sharp words about historical mislabelling.

Near the village of Roxburgh, a search begins for more hidden caves tucked into the Borders landscape — this time at the mysterious Sunlaws site. 🕳️ These underground spaces may hold echoes of ancient refuge, ritual, or long-lost history.

In the wild and remote Gameshope Valley near Talla Reservoir, a journey unfolds in search of a legendary stronghold once linked to William Wallace. 🏔️ Though no grand ruins remain, the landscape itself guards the echoes of rebellion and resistance.

In Galashiels, a 17th-century Latin-inscribed gravestone is translated, revealing a poignant tribute to those lost at the Battle of Dunbar. ⚔️ Hidden in the Gala Aisle, it echoes the voices of Covenanters and a forgotten chapter of Borders history.

Exploring the lost village of Westhouses near Galashiels, traces of a forgotten tower, an old inn, and the Ormiston family’s stronghold begin to surface. 🏰 Even more remarkably, evidence emerges of Westhouses Corn Mill — the first known mill in Galashiels.

As the cavalcade of horses rides proudly into the heart of Galashiels, the town pauses to remember its fallen heroes — from Flodden and Ancrum Moor to Bannockburn, the Great War, and World War II. 🏇 A moment where Border tradition meets deep remembrance.

Every summer, Scottish Border towns come alive with Common Ridings and Gatherings — vibrant events that honour centuries of local history, pride, and tradition. 🏇 At their heart is the horse, a lasting symbol of freedom and resilience since the days of the Border Reivers.

Wandering through the Gala Water valley in search of forgotten castle ruins, unexpected companions appear — the haunting call of curlews and the first cuckoo of the season. 🏰🐦 Here, history and nature blend in a timeless Borders landscape.

On the evening of the 2019 Summer Solstice, a walker climbs Eildon Hill North to capture the sun’s golden descent over the Scottish Borders. 🌄 As light fades, the ancient landscape glows with the quiet magic of midsummer.

While out exploring near Galashiels, a lucky moment captures a roe deer moving silently through the Borders landscape. 🦌 A brief but magical glimpse into the wild heart of Hidden Scotland.

While investigating the mysterious Pict’s Hill near Galashiels, surprising evidence emerges — from ancient earthworks to cup-marked stones hinting at long-lost tribal presence. 🛡️ Could this be proof the Picts once shaped the Borders landscape?

After visiting the dramatic Scottish Highlands, a traveller from the Borders reflects on how his home region quietly rivals that beauty — with rolling hills, rich history, and landscapes untouched by crowds. 🏞️ The Borders may be lesser-known, but they’re just as unforgettable.

Travelling from the Scottish Borders to the Highlands reveals a land of dramatic peaks, misty lochs, and timeless legend. 🏔️ The journey offers striking contrasts — yet both regions share a deep connection to Scotland’s wild heart.

Visiting the Scottish Highlands sparks a quiet question — can the wild beauty of the north outshine the rolling hills and deep history of the Borders? 🏞️ Both regions offer their own magic, but in the Borders… there are no midges.

Exploring woodlands in the Scottish Borders reveals some of the region’s most common and majestic trees — from sturdy oaks and ancient Scots pines to graceful beeches and towering sycamores. 🌳 Each tree tells a story of landscape, wildlife, and time.

After spotting an old drawing of two standing stones online, the search begins to find their real-world location near Peebles. 🪨 Hidden in plain sight, these ancient sentinels whisper of forgotten rituals and sacred landscapes.

This summer, Bill Jeffrey is taking on the Southern Upland Way to raise funds for Galashiels’ Christmas lights — bringing festive cheer one step at a time! 🎄🚶‍♂️ Support the cause and follow his journey.

On 1st June 2019, thousands marched peacefully through the streets of Galashiels as part of the All Under One Banner movement, calling for Scottish Independence. 🟡 It was a powerful show of unity, pride, and hope from the heart of the Borders.

While exploring a quiet burn near Galashiels, a man and his greyhound are treated to a rare and magical sight — otters playing in the wild. 🦦🐾 A fleeting moment of Borders nature at its best.

In the hills near Heriot, a search begins for the lost stone known as Mary Gibb’s — the site where a woman was tragically burned for witchcraft. 🔥 This haunting journey uncovers a dark chapter of Borders history long buried in silence and sorrow.

A 12-mile trek from Galashiels to Black Hill near Earlston offers a perfect blend of stunning scenery and rich history — from the quiet beauty of Elwyn Glen to views over the ancient Roman site of Trimontium. 🥾🏞️ A journey through landscapes shaped by centuries.

The execution of William Cockburn by King James V marked the end of one of the Border’s most feared Reivers — a tale steeped in betrayal and blood. 🏰 An investigation into his fate leads to the lost ruins of Cockburn’s castle and chapel near Galashiels, where legend and landscape still remember his name.

After discovering an old engraving of a mysterious standing stone, a search begins through Caddonlee Wood and the slopes of Skirmish Hill to find the lost monument known as the Turn Again Stone. 🪨 Said to mark a moment in the bloody clash between the Scotts and Kerrs after the Battle of Melrose, this forgotten relic may still linger in the shadow of the Eil

Known as the “Prince of Thieves,” Adam Scott of Tushielaw was one of the most infamous Border Reivers of his time. 🏰 In this film, the search for the ruins of Tushielaw Tower leads deep into the Ettrick Valley, uncovering the dramatic tale of Scott’s capture and execution by King James V in a royal crackdown on lawless lords.

Overlooking the tranquil waters of St Mary’s Loch, a journey unfolds into the history of the ancient kirkyard known as the Kirk of the Forest. ⛪️ Once a gathering place for nobles — and possibly where William Wallace was declared Guardian of Scotland — this sacred site holds echoes of medieval power and Borderland legend.

An investigation into 15th-century landowner Robert Pringle of Wrangholm leads deep into the layered history of the Scottish Borders — where Border Reiver legacy meets something far older. 🪨 Among standing stones like the Cossars Stone and Brother Stones lies evidence of a vast prehistoric temple, hinting at sacred landscapes once revered by ancient peoples

Perched high above the Tweed Valley, Hume Castle offers breathtaking views and a dramatic history shaped by siege, rebellion, and reivers. 🏰 Once a stronghold of Clan Home, it played a key role during the Wars of Independence and the Rough Wooing.

The once-great royal burgh of Roxburgh now lies buried beneath fields, its legacy reduced to just two surviving stone relics. 🏰 In this exploration, those weathered fragments become the last whispers of a lost medieval town that once rivalled Edinburgh.

A short collage from March 2019 captures the rich birdlife of the Scottish Borders — from songbirds in the hedgerows to herons by the River Tweed. 🐦 A peaceful glimpse into the region’s wild, winged wonders.

In a quiet moment, dreams drift to riverscapes and the flash of a kingfisher’s wings — vibrant, fleeting, and full of wonder. 🐦💭 Along the winding waters of the Scottish Borders, nature whispers in stillness.

Bingo!!! Finally captured a kingfisher on film in Galashiels — a flash of electric blue along the Gala Water! 🐦💙 Proof that even in town, nature’s magic is never far away.

On the trail of ancient Border Reiver history, a search unfolds for three forgotten castles once held by the Douglas and Oliver families — Slacks Tower, Dykeraw, and Timpendean Tower. 🏰 Perched near the shifting Scotland–England line, these ruined strongholds tell fierce stories of loyalty, power, and the Rough Wooing.

Along the winding River Liddel in the Anglo-Scots Borderlands, a search begins for two powerful medieval sites — Liddel Castle and the mighty Liddel Strength. 🏰 Once strategic fortresses in the wars of Edward I and Sir William Douglas, these ruins now guard the forgotten edges of a turbulent past.

In the heart of the Scottish Borders, a journey connects three powerful landmarks: the Brothers Standing Stones, the dramatic Smailholm Tower, and the enigmatic Cow Stone. 🪨🏰 Together, they weave a tale of ancient belief, clan history, and timeless landscapes.

In Galashiels, a search begins for traces of a long-lost drawbridge, once said to span the River Tweed near Lowood — a crossing tied to clan conflict, the Pringle family, and echoes of Flodden. 🌉 Could this forgotten bridge have played a hidden role in the town’s medieval past?

Guided by a single passage in an ancient, obscure book, a search begins for three lost Reiver strongholds: Crag Tower, Mossburnford Tower, and Dolphinston Tower. 🏰 Hidden deep in the Scottish Borders, these forgotten fortresses once echoed with the defiance and danger of Reiver life.

Filmed entirely on an iPhone 7s, this journey through the Scottish Borders uncovers a variety of standing stones — from lone markers on ancient trackways to forgotten stone circles near Dere Street. 🪨 Each one holds echoes of Bronze Age rites, Celtic myths, and Reiver legends.

A search for the forgotten Roman fort of Bremenium leads deep into the windswept uplands near Dere Street — a place of commanding views and enduring mystery. 🏛️ Could this outpost on the edge of empire hold clues to the fate of the lost 9th Legion… or even early whispers of the Arthurian legend?

A playful Short in which Mark imagines attacking Hadrian’s Wall long after its military role has ended.

A short trailer for Mark’s search for Bremenium, a Roman fort beyond Hadrian’s Wall in the northern Borderlands.

Hindhope Linn, nestled in the enchanting forest near Carter Bar, offers a magical glimpse into the hidden beauty of the Borderlands. 💧 Surrounded by mossy trees and birdsong, the waterfall feels like a secret kept by the land itself.

In the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall, a search unfolds for a lost Mithraic temple — a sacred site once devoted to Mithras, the Roman sun god. ☀️ Along the way, intriguing connections emerge between this ancient cult and early Christianity, challenging what we think we know about faith and empire.

On the windswept cliffs of St Abbs Head, a search begins for the lost site of St Æbbe’s monastery — a beacon of early Celtic Christianity once known as the “Iona of the East.” ⛪ Though the monastery has long vanished, the sacredness of the place still lingers in the wild beauty of the land and sea.

“Put to the horn” was a powerful legal sentence in medieval Scotland — it meant being declared an outlaw. 📯 For Border Reivers, it was a common punishment: a public proclamation made by sounding a horn, stripping the accused of all legal protection. From that moment, they were fair game.

In the rugged heart of Liddesdale, a search unfolds for traces of the elusive Hobbie Kerr — legendary Border Reiver and folk hero. 🏞️ His cave, long thought lost, becomes the focus of this journey into outlaw lore, echoing with tales of escape, rebellion, and the wild justice of the Borderlands.

We welcomed the first sunrise of 2019 at the ancient site of Torwoodlee Broch in the Scottish Borders — a place where Iron Age stone meets spiritual stillness. 🌄 As the light broke over the hills, it felt like stepping between worlds.

Mark searches near Cessford Castle for the cave linked in local tradition to the Border Reiver Hobbie Kerr.

Eckford Churchyard holds a chilling collection of macabre artefacts — from iron jougs once used to shame sinners, to watchtowers built to guard against body snatchers. ⛓️💀 These grim relics tell dark tales of faith, fear, and the fight to rest in peace.

Using old maps and historical clues, a search unfolds across the Scottish Borders to uncover the forgotten sites where thousands of women were executed as witches in the 16th and 17th centuries. 🔥 From Jedburgh to Duns, Peebles to Lauder, these silent landscapes hold stories of injustice, fear, and resilience waiting to be remembered.

Highlights from our 2018 Scottish Borders History & Mystery Tour included standing stones, ruined towers, haunted kirkyards, and hidden Reiver trails — all set against the stunning backdrop of the Borders landscape. 🏰🗺️ With tales of witches, outlaws, and ancient rituals, it was a journey into the heart of Scotland’s forgotten past. We’re now looking forwa

This year marks 1000 years since the Scottish Borders and Lothians became part of Scotland — a legacy shaped by the decisive Battle of Carham in 1018. ⚔️ We investigate how Malcolm II and the Scots, alongside the men of Strathclyde, defeated the Northumbrians and redrew the border that still stands today.

In a quiet corner of the Cheviot Hills, near Kirknewton Church, lie the war graves of international pilots who lost their lives during WWII. ✈️ Surrounded by remote beauty and silence, these resting places are a powerful reminder of sacrifice far from home.

At Norham Church in Northumberland, deep in the Anglo-Scottish borderlands, scars from centuries past still remain — sword marks said to be left by the forces of Robert the Bruce. ⚔️ This quiet church bears silent witness to the brutal clashes of the Wars of Scottish Independence.

We explore the atmospheric ruins of Twizel Castle in Northumberland — a once-formidable stronghold built to guard against Scots incursions along the volatile Anglo-Scottish border. 🏰 Overlooking the River Till, it played a strategic role near the site of the Battle of Flodden.

Inspired by the Netflix film Outlaw King, we follow in the footsteps of the legendary Black Douglas — visiting the real sites behind the story, from Melrose Abbey to the turbulent walls of Berwick-upon-Tweed. ⚔️ Along the way, we uncover the daring tale of Sir James Douglas and his bold liberation of Berwick from English control.

The graves of Border Reivers are rare, but in this new film we set out to find the final resting place of one of the most notorious of them all — Kinmont Willie Armstrong. ⚔️ From the daring rescue at Carlisle Castle to the quiet ground of Sark Cemetery, we trace the legacy of a true outlaw legend.

The new Netflix movie Outlaw King brings the legendary Black Douglas — “Good Sir James” — to the screen, capturing his fierce loyalty to Robert the Bruce and his brutal rise during the Wars of Independence. ⚔️ A fearsome warrior and a true Border son, his legacy lives on in stone at Melrose Abbey and in the blood-soaked annals of Scottish history.

While out filming, I was lucky enough to catch a buzzard soaring overhead — a brief but majestic encounter with one of the Borders’ top predators. 🦅 Nature always rewards patience!

An adventure through East Lothian reveals a landscape rich in layered history — from ancient hill forts like Traprain Law to eerie WWII submarine wrecks along the coast. 🏔️⚓ The journey also delves into the grim legacy of the Scottish witch hunts that once swept through the region.

In the heart of the Yarrow Valley stand three mysterious stones, weathered by time and cloaked in legend. 🪨 Are they ancient markers of burial, ritual, or memory — perhaps even the resting place of fallen warriors? Their true meaning remains lost in the mists of the Bronze Age.

Discover the enchanting yew trees of the Traquair House estate, where ancient roots and folklore intertwine in the heart of the Scottish Borders. 🌿 A magical place where nature and history stand side by side.

Explore Cauldshiels Hill and its ancient hill fort, overlooking a dramatic stand-off with Rink Fort and the mysterious Catrail across the valley. 🛡️ These silent ridgelines echo with the tension of forgotten tribal frontiers.

Scott’s View offers a breathtaking sweep of the Tweed Valley in its full autumn glory, while nearby Stichill Linn waterfall tumbles through golden woodland like a hidden gem. 🍂 A perfect pairing of poetic landscape and wild beauty in the heart of the Borders.

A search through Southern Scotland reveals ancient, towering yew trees — sacred, silent, and deeply rooted in the land’s forgotten beliefs. 🌿 Their size and age inspire awe, but their true power may lie in the mysteries they still guard.

An investigation into what may be the very first Christian site in Scotland uncovers a remarkable relic — possibly the oldest of its kind — marking a turning point in spiritual history. ✝️ It’s a powerful symbol of the moment ancient Pagan beliefs began to give way to the rise of early Christianity.

A playful dream of stone circles opens a path into the prehistoric places and enduring mysteries of the Borderlands.

An atmospheric short trailer inviting a closer look at Scotland’s ancient yew trees and the stories that gather around them.

A short archive film introducing Mark Nicol’s passion for the places, mysteries and history of the Scottish Borderlands.

An exploration of the vast cave system at Grahamslaw in the Scottish Borders reveals carved chambers, tunnels, and secrets lost to time. 🕳️ It’s the kind of place where fact blurs into fiction — perfect for the pilot of a dark Borders-based mystery series.

During the drought of 2018, the parched fields near Melrose revealed the dramatic outline of the Trimontium Roman Fort, captured on film in stunning clarity. 🏛️ As ancient roads and walls emerged from the earth, history quite literally surfaced before the lens.

The cave-hunting continues as one man’s unapologetically childish obsession leads him deep into the Scottish landscape — singing, stumbling, and discovering hidden hollows along the way. 🕳️ It’s history, geology, and musical mischief all rolled into one muddy adventure.

A journey through the Scottish Borderlands uncovers sites linked to William Wallace — from the mysterious Wallace’s Trench to a possible final resting place whispered about in local lore. 🛡️ These landscapes hold echoes of rebellion, sacrifice, and a hero’s enduring shadow.

Investigating the 1388 Battle of Otterburn, a journey traces the footsteps of James Douglas through the Northumbrian hills — right to the site of his final stand. ⚔️ Amid the moorland silence, a rather macabre discovery offers a haunting link to one of Scotland’s most legendary knights.

Amid the sweeping hills of Tweedsmuir, an investigation unfolds into the 1685 murder of a Covenanter — executed solely for his faith during Scotland’s darkest days of religious persecution. ✝️ In this breathtaking yet brutal landscape, the echoes of the Killing Times still linger.

In the turbulent borderlands of Scotland and England, a search begins for traces of two towering figures — Edward “Longshanks” and William Wallace. ⚔️ From ruined castles to hidden memorials, the landscape still bears witness to their violent clash of empires and ideals.

A visit to the former site of RAF Charterhall in the Scottish Borders uncovers the haunting silence of what was once a bustling WW2 airfield. ✈️ Known as “Slaughterhall” due to its tragic training losses, the ground still echoes with the memory of those who never came home.

Deep beneath the fields of Southern Scotland, a search unfolds in the hidden chamber of Crichton Souterrain — where ancient stones may still bear the mark of Legio II Augusta. 🛡️ Could this secret underground site reveal a lost Roman footprint in the Borderlands?

A journey from Tweedbank to Caddonlee uncovers a powerful link to Scotland’s military past — once the historic muster ground for massed Scottish armies heading south to war. ⚔️ Beneath the quiet Borders landscape lies the echo of marching feet and the roar of history in motion.

Mark’s humorous take on the Beast from the East, filmed as severe winter weather gripped Britain in 2018.

From the remote hills of the Scottish Borders to the sacred splendour of Durham Cathedral, a journey unfolds tracing the life and legacy of St Cuthbert. ✝️ Hermit, healer, and saint — his path weaves through solitude, miracles, and a burial that shaped the spiritual heart of Northern England.

Wandering the hills and valleys around Jedburgh, a search begins for lost and ruined churches that once echoed with prayer and pilgrimage. ⛪ The trail leads to the heart of Jedburgh Abbey — where the mystery of who lies buried there may explain why it became one of Scotland’s most sacred sites.

While exploring ancient monuments and lost villages in Berwickshire, the journey takes an eerie turn at Foul Ford — where a supernatural encounter leaves a lasting impression. 🕯️ Some places don’t just hold history… they hold something else.

An investigation into stone circles along the Scotland–England border uncovers dramatic alignments, ancient energies, and forgotten ritual sites. 🪨 These mysterious monuments still pulse with the presence of a long-lost world.

On the banks of the River Tweed, a search unfolds for the lost Chapel of St Cuthbert — a sacred site once tied to pilgrimage and legend. ⛪ Along the way, forgotten churches and local tales bring the spiritual landscape of the Borders vividly to life.

A spine-tingling journey through Southern Scotland leads deep into folklore as ancient tales of goblins, ghosts, and fairies blur with eerie reality. 👣 The search for the legendary Gates of Hell takes a terrifying turn, uncovering places where the veil between worlds feels dangerously thin.

A search through the moorlands and legends of the Scottish Borders uncovers compelling clues that Sir Walter Scott’s The Black Dwarf may have been inspired by a real man — a mysterious, reclusive figure who lived near Manor Valley. 📚 Fact and fiction intertwine in this literary investigation.

Driven by the dark legacy of 17th-century religious persecution, a search begins for forgotten mass graves hidden across the Scottish Borders. ⛪ These silent burial sites are grim reminders of the Covenanter martyrs who paid the ultimate price for their faith.

A journey through ruined castles, ancient bridges, and solemn monuments uncovers the tragic story of the Battle of Flodden — the darkest day in Scottish Borders history. ⚔️ Each site tells of loss, loyalty, and a nation forever changed in 1513.