Battle of Skirmish Hill
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| Despite the folklore generally agreed to be associated
with this stone, it is possible that the stone pre-dates the
Battle of Melrose in 1526 as it stands along side an old
trackway that may have led to the crossing point or ford
over the River Tweed at Abbotsford. |
The Turn Again Stone is believed to have been set up around 1526 at the time
of the Battle of Melrose on nearby Skirmish Hill. The Scott family and others,
who were fighting for the release of James V, were defeated by forces led by Ker
of Cessford. Ker led the following pursuit but at the site of stone, Elliot
turned and speared Ker to death. The stone marks this spot.
On 25 July, 1526, in a field near Darnick, the Earl of Angus,
Archibald Douglas, led a young King James V towards Edinburgh with
around 1000 men. James was in his custody and influence, though neither
James or his local supporters felt this was good for the Kindom of
Scotland. Walter Scott of Buccleugh led 600 Borderers on horse to
Darnick to challenge Douglas and hoped to free the young king. A
skirmish ensued and many supporters of both Buccleugh and Douglas lost
their lives. James was not involved in the action, but is said to have
watched it from the battlements of Darnick Tower. Ultimately, the
challenge failed, and the king remained under the watchful gaze of
Douglas for several years to come.
To commemorate this little
known, but momentous, battle, the Melrose Historical Association, with
support from Scottish Borders Council and the Battlefield Trust, have
erected an information board on the corner of the field where it is said
the forces of Douglas and Buccleugh first locked swords.
The
board can be seen on the Southern Upland Way as it passes to the north
of the Waverley Castle Hotel, Darnick.
Any contributions will be
gratefully accepted
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