Who were the Border Reivers...

Names like Scott, Elliot, Armstrong and Turnbull are famous the world over but what of their roots in the small often forgotten area of Scotland which is the Border country? Hawick is at the centre of this historic area and is steeped in the history of the Reivers, the life they lead and the part that life played in the shaping of the character of modern day "Borderers" wherever they may live!

From 26th to 28th March 2010, Hawick steps back in time to the 16th century and through drama, song, poetry and re-enactments invites visitors and towns-people alike to experience life in this turbulent, often violent, but very colourful period in our history. A full programme of activities is planned many of which are free to the public and include demonstrations of falconry, archery and horsemanship, a look at craftsmen of the times and dramatic re-enactments. There are also concerts, guided walks, historical lectures and many other activities.

This is very much a family event with something to interest all ages and tastes.

By the 16th century, hundreds of years of conflict between Scotland and England had turned the borderland between the two countries into a place familiar with turmoil and warfare, where livelihoods were hard won and easily lost. The people who dwelt amongst these vales and hills – the Douglas’s, Elliot's, the Scotts, Kerrs, Turnbulls, Armstrongs and other ‘riding families’ – had learned to give allegiance only to those they could depend upon: their own kinsmen, and had turned to cattle thieving and plunder – against their English neighbours and each other – to gain wealth and power. It was a time of raid and reprisal, blackmail and bloodfeud, which bred resourceful and ruthless men, men who became known as the Border Reiver.