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Turn-Again Stone, Skirmish Hill, Melrose. |
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Description
The Turn Again Stone is a solitary standing stone measuring 0.45
x 0.45m on plan and 0.85m high and is comprised of local
sandstone. The stone is well hidden in woodland adjacent to
Kaeside Farm on a ridge overlooking the village of Tweedbank.
The stone stands immediately adjacent to an ancient trackway,
barely visible inside the woodland.
Directions
From Melrose town centre, follow the B6394 towards Darnick. Inside
Darnick village, turn left along a minor road leading to Sunnyside
Farm (not signposted). Continue until Kaeside farm. The stone is
located in the woodland to the north near the grain silo. Please
ask permission at the farm before walking to the stone.
Parking
There is limited parking on site in the farmyard but please ask
permission first.
Folklore
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.
Fieldnotes
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. A similar example of this type of mark stone can be
found at 005 Standing Stone, Cardrona, Peebles. Also of interest
at this location, is the abundance of holly, a tree with many
associations to pagan rituals and witchcraft. This stone is not
marked on current Ordnance Survey maps.
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