Warfare and Fortifications in the Borders

by John Dent and Rory McDonald

Since Scotland emerged as a single kingdom 1,000 years ago, it has shared a border with its larger neighbour, England.

At times this border, and Scottish independence, have been imperilled by the ambition of EnglandÌs rulers - particularly Edward I and Henry VIII - who vented their anger on the lives and property of the Scottish Borderers.

From continual warfare grew a level of lawlessness unique in these islands, when nothing and no one was safe from the activities of a special class of ruffian: the border reiver.

This book looks at the turbulent history of the Scottish Borders and the towers, ruined abbeys and other sites which owe their existence to war.

Scottish Borders contains many places of exceptional interest and, to help the reader experience some of these, the text contains a list of sites with access arrangements.

Published June 2000; 96pp; 248mm x 186mm; 16 colour and 35 half tone illustrations; ISBN 0 9530438 2 7 (pb) £5.00