Border Reivers
Scotland's Border Reivers For a period of about 300 years ending in the early 17th century, the Scottish Borders region was a lawless area dominated by a number of warring families in a region which at the time was known as the 'Debateable Land', i.e. an area whose ownership was disputed (between England and Scotland). The key areas were Liddesdale, Redesdale and Tynedale. During the medieval period this border region was generally wild, lawless and economically poor. These conditions triggered self-preservation centred on family groups or clans whose allegiances fluctuated but not necessarily to the national governments of Scotland or England. Reiving is a term used to describe raiding for cattle, sheep and any other assets which were mobile or could easily be transported. In the locality, reiving was a way of life, practised by all social classes and not viewed with discredit. Reiving had its origins in the constant warring between England and Scotlan...