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.

A message to regular listeners:

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/

Podcast theme from Pixabay.com

Discover the dramatic history of Kelso Abbey, once one of Scotland’s wealthiest medieval monasteries. In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we explore its origins under King David I, its powerful monastic community and its connections to nearby Roxburgh Castle.

Hear about the Wars of Independence, the coronation of James III and the devastating siege of 1545. Follow the abbey’s story through royal tragedy, border warfare and the Scottish Reformation. Explore the lives and events behind Kelso Abbey’s surviving ruins—and their place in the history of the Scottish Borders.

Music credits

Aurora and Cirrus both tracks by Scot 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/

Additional clips, including the podcast theme, from Pixabay.com

In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we explore Castlehill Tower, which sits about 5 kilometres south west of Peebles.

Overlooking Manor Water, this ruined fifteenth-century tower house reveals a story of Border Reivers, beacon warnings and Covenanter connections. Discover the families who owned it, its formidable defences, and the unanswered questions surrounding its eventual abandonment.

Music credits: All music from https://pixabay.com