On 25th July 1526 Walter Scott of Buccleuch with some 600 mounted followers challenged Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus for the custody of 14 year old King James V at a point about a mile outside Melrose subsequently known as Skirmish Hill. During the resultant fluid and scattered action Angus was supported by Kers and Homes so that the Buccleuch forces were outnumbered and forced to withdraw, but not before some 80-100 casualties on each side including Ker of Cessford. The boy king watched the action from the battlements of nearby Darnick Tower.

On Saturday 27th July Ian Skinner of Melrose Historical & Archaeological Association will lead a guided walk around the area involved, meeting in front of Melrose Parish Church at 1.30 pm.

Free for Scottish Battlefields Trust, Battlefield Trust and MHAA members. £3 on the day for non-members.