The sun had set. It was a perfect, calm, June evening, a few days before the solstice. In mid-stream, the river flexed and twisted as it flowed over unseen contours, but ahead of me, by the bank, was a still pool reflecting the evening sky. Under the Chainbridge, Swallows skimmed and hawked hunting for moths […]

The end of the Northumberland Coast Path, an excellent walk. I thoroughly enjoyed doing the whole coast from Newcastle to Berwick in ten separate legs, the final one from Fenwick. What a wonderful finale as one finally reaches the Tweed, then look west towards the ancient old road bridge and the Roman remains. This story […]

Historically, Mute swans were recognised as ‘royal birds’ and many were bred and kept in captivity either as status symbols or for food. Now no longer eaten or held in ‘swanneries’, our native Mute swans are found across the Tweed in all available habitats. For many years, the estuary of the Tweed at Berwick has […]

Join AOC Archaeology online for an Uncovering the Tweed Mapping Workshop where we’ll explore the fascinating world of historic maps together!

Writer John Mackay Wilson (1804-35), who was born and lived in Tweedmouth, returned to his hometown to take up the role of Editor to The Berwick Advertiser in 1832. Two years later, he started publication of his Tales of the Borders, which became international bestsellers for the best part of 120 years. Sadly, Wilson died […]

After the Second World War, an unusual figure became part of life in the Scottish Borders: Wojtek, the Polish soldier bear. Adopted as a cub by Polish troops in the Middle East, he travelled with them across the Mediterranean and through wartime Italy, where he became famous for helping carry ammunition during the Battle of […]