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The Siege Of Kelso Abbey

There’s only a fraction of Kelso Abbey still standing, but at its peak, this was one of the most impressive buildings in Scotland. This monastic order became incredibly wealthy from the surrounding Borders farmland, but Kelso’s prime location would soon become more of a curse than a blessing.

Founded by King David I in the 12th century, the abbey was just a stone’s throw from the Royal Burgh of Roxburgh, a town that has now completely disappeared. Designed to be the centre of power for the whole south of Scotland, the area was protected by the formidable Roxburgh Castle.

The monks of Kelso Abbey should have felt secure with such an imposing stronghold keeping watch just across the river, but it wasn’t always in Scottish hands. They were also dangerously close to the border with England and out of all the Borders Abbeys, that made Kelso the most vulnerable to attack. During the Wars of Independence, it suffered desecration and occupation almost every time an army passed by.

The 16th century saw the most intense period of fighting here and Kelso Abbey suffered greatly. England’s King Henry VIII was determined to marry his young heir Prince Edward to the infant Mary Queen of Scots, hoping that his heirs would eventually gain control of Scotland. The Scottish Parliament saw through his thinly veiled plan and firmly refused the match.

A brutal war followed that would later become known as the Rough Wooing as Henry tried to force the betrothal. The Earl of Hertford led more than one invasion of Scotland, his only aim being to sow as much destruction as possible. Kelso was amongst the first to be attacked but in 1545 the abbey became the scene of some surprisingly strong local resistance.

Hertford’s large army easily took control of Kelso town, but a group of monks and townsfolk had barricaded themselves in Kelso Abbey. This makeshift garrison put up a much better fight than the invaders had expected, firing the few guns they had gathered from the strong abbey walls.

Before long, the English cannons were deployed, the defenders being given one last chance to surrender. They refused and the resulting bombardment forced them to retreat into Kelso Abbey’s steeple, using it like a castle’s keep where they would make their last stand.

Night fell, the attackers disengaged and the small garrison had an important decision to make. They may have survived the first day but most of them knew that there was little chance of victory, their defiance was merely delaying the inevitable. Some accepted it was a lost cause, abseiling down the abbey walls in the darkness to try and sneak through enemy lines to safety.

Only the bravest stayed to fight and the next morning when Kelso Abbey’s last door was breached, everybody left inside was put to the sword. Hertford’s army tore down many of the walls and when the Protestant Reformation made it obsolete only 15 years later, Scotland’s most war-scarred abbey was left as a shell of its former glory.

Article by Graeme Johncock Photographs Simon Hird

Isle of Barra

Kisimul Castle

Kisimul Castle in Barra has been the stronghold of the Macneils since the 11th century. Known in Gaelic as Caisteal Chiosmuil, the fortress stands as a lasting testament to Gaelic lordship in medieval Scotland. Gilleonan Macneil, first recorded as lord in 1427, likely built this castle that dominates a rocky islet along with a crew house for his seafaring entourage. A colourful past of maritime exploits, including piracy, marks the lineage. Descended from Irish royalty, the Macneils navigated through changing times, losing and reclaiming their island estate, until the castle was finally entrusted to state care in 2000.

The Tenement House

Glasgow

This Victorian flat, once the residence of a house-proud local by the name of Miss Agnes Toward, has been kept as it looked a century earlier, making it a fascinating time capsule of Glasgow life as it used to be. Retaining everything from working gaslights and age-old household items to a scrubbed, coal-fired kitchen range, it gives a captivating look into the past.

Buchan Ness Lighthouse

Aberdeenshire

Buchan Ness Lighthouse has been operational since 1825, making it one of Scotland's oldest functioning lighthouses. Located on the eastern coast, it was designed by engineer Robert Stevenson and is built of granite. The lighthouse serves a crucial role in aiding navigation for ships in the challenging waters off Aberdeenshire. While technology has modernised over the years, the lighthouse's importance as a navigational aid remains constant. It also stands as a testament to the area's rich maritime history.

5 Interesting Things to do in Stirlingshire

Embrace the allure of Stirlingshire, a captivating region in Scotland that beckons with its historical landmarks, scenic landscapes, and vibrant culture. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Stirling Castle, walk in the footsteps of legends at the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre, and explore the charming streets of Falkirk and Bridge of Allan. With its rich heritage, picturesque countryside, and an array of exciting activities, Stirlingshire promises a memorable journey that will leave you enchanted and longing for more.

The Star Pyramid

Amidst the serene grounds of Drummond Pleasure Ground in Stirlingshire lies a striking sandstone ashlar pyramid that commands attention—the enigmatic Star Pyramid.

The Pineapple

Imbued with enigma and grandeur, the Pineapple, a jewel of Scotland, stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and unique architectural innovation.

Finnich Glen

Tucked away amidst the scenic landscapes of Stirlingshire, lies a hidden gem that exudes an air of mystery and enchantment—Finnich Glen.

Japanese Garden at Cowden

Born from the adventurous spirit of Ella Christie, the first western woman to meet the Dalai Lama, the Cowden Japanese Garden symbolizes an extraordinary confluence of Scottish and Japanese cultures.

The Falkirk Wheel

A testament to Scotland’s engineering prowess, The Falkirk Wheel is the world’s singular rotating boat lift, ingeniously linking the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal.

Rachel Eunson of Feverfew Garden Company

After Rachel Eunson’s urban Melbourne life took an unexpected turn during the lockdowns of 2020 she found herself back at her family’s Orkney home with newfound time and a fresh appreciation for self-reliance, she embarked on reviving the neglected garden. Despite her limited gardening experience, Rachel immersed herself in learning to cultivate her own produce, relishing the process despite its ups and downs. This journey unveiled a need for functional and stylish gardening attire, particularly for women, which led her to establish Feverfew Garden Company. Rachel knows first hand that gardening is the perfect way to connect with nature and become immersed in the mindful task of nurturing plants. With that knowledge and experience, Feverfew is on a mission to make gardening both convenient and stylish, aiming to help more people discover the joy within it. We’re delighted to have a full size range of Feverfew gloves now in store, perfectly timed for those end-of-Summer jobs in the garden!

Follow Rachel’s journey here.

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