Discover the forgotten story of Whiteside Tower, a ruined peel tower hidden in the Scottish Borders near Mellerstain House. In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we learn how this small fortified tower once provided protection in a lawless landscape defined by Border Reivers’ activity.

We also uncover the later history of the site under Robert Baillie of Jerviswood, a Covenanter martyr executed in 1684 during Scotland’s religious conflicts. From its earliest days, this episode reveals how one little-known ruin connects to some of the most dramatic events in Scottish history.

For photographs and more information, see https://thistleandtime.scot

Music credits:

Sky by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/

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

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/

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Creative Commons / Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Village Ambience by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com

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Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Explore the dramatic story of Drochil Castle, one of the most intriguing and unfinished castles in the Scottish Borders. Built in 1578 by James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, Regent of Scotland, this ambitious fortress-palace was intended to be his luxurious retirement residence. But Morton’s sudden fall from power and execution brought construction to an abrupt halt, leaving Drochil as a haunting reminder of political intrigue, shifting loyalties, and the turbulent final years of Mary, Queen of Scots' reign.

In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we uncover the fascinating rise and fall of Morton, explore the unique Z-plan design of Drochil Castle, and reveal how this remarkable ruin fits into the wider story of Scotland’s violent 16th-century politics. From royal conspiracies and regencies to unfinished walls that still dominate the Borders landscape near Peebles, this episode brings to life one of Scotland’s most overlooked historic castles. Perfect for listeners interested in Scottish history, ruined castles, and the hidden stories of the Borders.

For photographs and more information about this and other places covered in the podcast series, please visit the website https://thistleandtime.scot

High above the Gala Water near Galashiels, the ruined walls of Buckholm Tower are a reminder of the violent and mysterious past of the Scottish Borders. Built in 1582 by the Pringle family during the turbulent era of the Border Reivers, this fortified tower house served as both residence and refuge. In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we explore the origins of Buckholm Tower, and its connection to the powerful Pringle family.

But Buckholm’s story takes a darker turn in the 17th century during the persecution of the Scottish Covenanters under Charles II. Blending history, folklore, and the dramatic religious conflicts of the Killing Times, this episode uncovers one of the Scottish Borders’ most chilling and little-known stories.

Music credits

Eight Mountains by Savfk https://www.youtube.com/savfkmusic

Hymn To The Dawn by Scott Buckley https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley

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

Relaxed Walk by Vitaliy Hryshko https://pixabay.com/music/search/vitaliy_hryshko/