The Borders

Enter the realm of the fae…

The Borders were historically an area of great significance, with Roxburgh Castle acting as the seat of King David and a point of contention between Scotland and England for hundreds of years. The iconic border towers mark the rough militarised zone that the Borders once functioned as. 

As well as being steeped in history, the Borders also have a rich folkloric tradition. The Borders is famously the homeland of the Brownie, legends of which you can find below. Its plethora of castles and historic buildings has led to more than a few fanciful tales making the myths and legends of the Borders particularly exciting. For example, the Fairy Queen enslaving knights, or the famous Thomas the Rhymer, a seer gifted powers of foresight by the fae. 

Borders Tales

Enjoy our selection of folklore from the Borders featuring stunning retellings and tales from original Victorian texts.
The Borders
folklorescotland

The Brownie’s Coat

The Brownie’s Coat He leapt off the horse outside the house of the mid-wife and banged upon her door. Upon answering the mid-wife…. Words by

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The Borders
folklorescotland

Thomas the Rhymer

Thomas the Rhymer He leapt off the horse outside the house of the mid-wife and banged upon her door. Upon answering the mid-wife…. By Charles

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The Borders
folklorescotland

The Brownie’s Coat

The Brownie’s Coat (early text) This an older and briefer text depicting the tale of the Border brownie. Good for  those looking for less of

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History & Future

The legends of the Borders were retold in the 18th Century by Sir Walter Scott in his romanticised Borders Ballads, which captured the hearts and minds of Victorians. This lead to the great revival of Scottish Folklore in the Victorian era. We hope that through Folklore Scotland’s efforts to promote and preserve Scottish legends, the Borders can once again play an important role in helping Scotland retain its storytelling traditions.