Nature & Landscape · The Borderlands

Scottish Borders Caves – Secrets Beneath Sunlaws

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.

Mark Nicol 27 Aug 2019 The Borderlands 2 min read · written story

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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. Load the film below, then press play to watch it here in the archive.

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The caves at Sunlaws near Roxburgh are pretty impressive and strange.

Take a look…..

A Cave Quest Near Roxburgh
When the sun blazes down in the Scottish Borders, there’s one place that offers both refuge and mystery—caves. And today, I headed just outside the village of Roxburgh, to the curious and dramatic cliff formations at Sunlaws, in search of more of the region’s forgotten caverns.


Shelter in the Shadows

In the dappled shade of beech trees—long associated with folklore, books, and ancient wisdom—I found the first cave. I’d been here before, but this time, I pushed a little further. What started as a simple hole in the hillside soon revealed a series of caves, hollows, and hidden spots that had clearly been shaped and touched by human hands.


Caves of the Ancients?

One of the first things that struck me was the man-made feel of the caves—marks in the stone, smoothed surfaces, and even what looked like old doorways. Could these caves have once been used as shelters, storehouses, or even places of ritual? It’s hard to say. But the signs are there.

Each one had a different feel—some shallow and airy, others dark and claustrophobic. One even looked like it had been bricked up at some point in history. Who was trying to hide something… or keep something out?


A Word of Warning

The cliffs around Sunlaws are beautiful but not without risk. Crumbling rock, steep drops, and slippery paths make this a place to explore cautiously. Always take care and don’t go alone if you’re unsure.


Hidden in Plain Sight

It’s amazing how much history lies tucked just off the path. The Sunlaws caves are largely unmarked, undocumented, and missed by most. Yet they offer a glimpse into a different time—and maybe, just maybe, into the minds of those who once lived, hid, or worshipped here.


Are There More?

Probably. This area is rich in geological wonders and ancient human activity. With every cave I find, I’m convinced there are more just waiting to be rediscovered.


Do you know of any hidden caves in the Scottish Borders? Let me know—this quest is far from over.

Drop a comment on the video or tag me on social media with your cave tips!

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