Discover the history of Kirkhope Tower, a Scottish tower house overlooking the Ettrick Valley near Ettrickbridge. In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we explore its uncertain origins, unusual defensive features and connections to the Border Reivers, including Walter Scott of Harden — the notorious Auld Wat. From the Black Douglas lordship to the Scotts of Harden, follow the changing fortunes of a building shaped by centuries of conflict and family ambition.

Separating documented history from tradition, we touch on Auld Wat’s role in rescuing Kinmont Willie from Carlisle Castle and consider what his association with Kirkhope can tell us. The story continues through the tower’s sale to the Duchess of Buccleuch, its abandonment and its remarkable restoration. Join us for an atmospheric journey into Scottish Borders history, where a small stone tower opens a window onto a turbulent past.

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The next episode will be published on 12 November, when the podcast will move to fortnightly releases.

Music credits

Luminance by Scott Buckley

The Distant Sun by Scott Buckley

Age of Wonder by Scott Buckley

https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley

Royalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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