Friday October 31st 2025
River Tweed at Leaderfoot (Photo by Jim Gibson)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A new film celebrating the history, culture and traditions of the River Tweed catchment is set to premiere in the Borders next week.
Funded in part by a £13,600 grant from the Fallago Environment Fund, ‘Our River, Stories of the Tweed’ has been created by Coldstream-based photographer and videographer, Jim Gibson.
Filmed over many years, it is narrated by BBC Radio 4 presenter Paddy O’Connell and showcases the landscapes, legends and lives that have been shaped by one of the most famous rivers in the world.
Blending stunning cinematography with vivid storytelling, the film features contributions from a range of local people and experts including historians, archaeologists, soldiers, rod and net fishermen, tour guides, mill workers and former principals from ride-outs across the region.
They highlight the history of the river and its surroundings, from ancient hill forts and the Roman outpost at Trimontium to medieval abbeys, Border Reivers and the industrial revolution that gave the world its famous Tweed cloth.
Viewers will learn about the legendary wizard Merlin who was said to have been exiled to the Upper Tweed and died in the river and will hear about the region’s links to royalty including King David the First of Scotland, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Other famous names featured include St Cuthbert, William Wallace, poet James Hogg and novelist Sir Walter Scott.
The Battle of Flodden, the Jacobite uprising and the history of local army regiments the Coldstream Guards and the Kings Own Scottish Borderers are highlighted.
The film also explains the importance of the river’s salmon population to the life and economy of the area and even includes a report of a dog taken to court for poaching. It is hoped that the film’s archive of interviews and images will eventually be lodged in both the Scottish Borders and Northumberland record offices and available to researchers in the future.
Representing the Fallago Environment Fund, His Grace The Duke of Roxburghe, said:
“The River Tweed and its tributaries have been the lifeblood of the Borders and north Northumberland since the earliest residents chose to live their lives here.
“We’re delighted that the Fallago Environment Fund has been able to support this hugely entertaining and important film which is a fascinating reminder of the wonderful communities, culture, history and natural environment that exist right across the Tweed catchment.”
Film-maker, Jim Gibson said:
“I was brought up beside the Tweed and always enjoyed hearing stories about the river. I’ve wanted to make a film about the area for about forty years, taking the opportunity to share the history, myths and legends with others who live in the catchment.
“I’m sure, like me, there are people living near the Lower Tweed who know little about the traditions and culture of the Upper Tweed, and vice versa. I’m pleased I’ve had the opportunity to explore these traditions and to capture them on film.”
The Fallago Environment Fund shares the benefits of the Fallago Rig wind farm in the Lammermuir Hills with projects across the Scottish Borders and is financed by Roxburghe Estates, Federated Hermes and EDF power solutions.
Our River, Stories of the Tweed will premiere at the Heart of Hawick on Saturday, November 8 at 7pm. Tickets cost £9 (concessions £7.50) and can be booked at liveborders.org.uk. The film will also be shown at Peebles’ Eastgate Theatre on Friday, January 16, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and can be booked at eastgatearts.com. Further showings in the Borders and north Northumberland are planned for 2026.
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