Come and discover local history as Darnick commemorates the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Skirmish Hill.
In 1526 a young James V sent word to Walter Scott, Duke of Buccleuch, asking for his help to escape the clutches of the Duke of Angus, the king’s controlling step-father. As Angus escorted the teenage king from Jedburgh to Edinburgh, Scott’s men intercepted the royal entourage and a bloody battle ensued.
Now, 500 years later, Darnick commemorates the momentous conflict, with a number of events to take you on a journey back to those turbulent times. Come along and join in the commemorations!
Tickets for the walks and the concert are available online or from the village hall on the day if available.
Friday July 24th
Darnick Arms: Village pub night
Village Hall, 7pm – 10.30pm. 
Enjoy a family friendly social evening with a taste of 1526! Licensed bar, cash & card accepted.
Saturday July 25th
Walk in the soldiers’ footsteps
Guided walk, start outside village hall, start times 12 noon and 2.15pm.
Meet the soldiers of 1526. Discover more about the Battle of Skirmish Hill and the characters involved.
Adults £5 Under 18s & Unemployed Free
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Spaces limited – book early!
Tickets available online. Also available on the day from the village hall (subject to availability).
Historian Dr Arran Johnston will lead an entertaining and informative walk around the historic village of Darnick, bringing the battle to life with stories of the people involved and a guide to the battle landscape. On the way be prepared to meet the soldiers of 1526, who will explain their battle attire and life in the Middle Ages.
The walk will be approximately 1hr and 45 minutes. It will start outside Darnick Village Hall and take in the community woodland, ending at Darnick Tower. The terrain is fairly even but may not be suitable for wheelchairs.
Children’s Treasure Trail
12 noon – 3pm. Free entry.
Collect your first clue at the gate to Shunters’ Wud, Broomilees Road and start exploring! Follow the clues around Shunter’s Wud and collect your reward at the castle. Note: This activity is not supervised.
Party like it’s 1526!
Concert celebrates historic music
7pm – 9pm Darnick Village Hall
Adults £8 Under 18s and Unemployed Free
Tickets available online or on the door on the night (subject to availability).
Licensed Bar (cash or card)
Join the wonderful Melrose Vocal Ensemble as they take you on a musical journey back to 1526.
The popular performers will share songs from the time of the battle and then travel through the centuries, with music from every age until we reach 2026, when there will be a unique performance of a new ballad, written by award winning poet Bridget Khursheed and set to music by Philip Blackledge, both residents of Darnick.
Pop-up cafe and cake shop
10am – 4pm Village Hall
The popular Sukie’s Scones will be running in the hall from 10am to 12 noon, for scones and tea/coffee plus home baking and crafts for sale in aid of Opportunities Zambia.
From 12 noon to 4pm there will be a soup lunch available and teas & coffees. Pop in before a walk!