The Borderers

 ( Bbc Television Dramas ) 

The Borderers is a British television series produced by the BBC between 1968 and 1970.

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Setting A historical drama series, The Borderers was set during the 16th century and chronicled the lives of the Ker family, who lived in the Scottish Scottish Marches on the frontier between England and Scotland. Some episodes of the show depict the wider politics, mostly as it affects their relative Sir Walter Ker, warden of the Middle March

The series was described by The Guardian in 2007 as "brave and original...a kind of north-eastern western". It shows an ordinary family trying to live as part of a society of Border Reivers, a world where raid and feud were unavoidable parts of daily life. The wars between England and Scotland had destroyed the normal processes of law enforcement. The setting is a particularly tense time, with Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, in competition. Also the struggle between Protestants and Catholics in both kingdoms. Amidst all this, the Kers of Slitrig are trying to live an ordinary life.

The leading cast members were Iain Cuthbertson, Edith MacArthur and Michael Gambon.

Season One was produced by Peter Graham Scott, who had worked on The Avengers, Mogul, The Troubleshooters and would later go on to make The Onedin Line.

Season Two was produced by Anthony Coburn who had previously worked on Doctor Who.

In 2007, two episodes of The Borderers were part of the BBC Archive Trial.

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Cast The regular cast were Michael Gambon as Gavin Ker (male head of the family), Edith McArthur as Margaret Ker and Iain Cuthbertson as Sir Walter Ker of Cessford. Nell Brennan as Agnes Ker (Series 1) and Eileen Nicholas as Agnes Ker (Series 2). Margaret Greig as Grizel Ker, Joseph Brady as Rab (Series 1) and James Garbutt as Rab (Series 2). Ross Campbell as Jamie Ker and Russell Waters as Pringle (Cessford's clerk). Sir Walter Ker is a real historical figure, though little is known of him and most of what is shown in the series is invented.

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Episode guide Of the show's 26 episodes, only 15 survive today, mainly from series 1, with 7 existing in their original colour format, the other 8 existing as black and white telerecordings. The Borderers and other unseen series

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Series 1

Exists in colour

The elder of the Ker family, Gavin, has a shattering experience in front of him when he seeks a wider world.

16mm black-and-white film print exists

When Gavin leads his men across the border to seek Agnes, he is accused of murdering an Englishman.

16mm black-and-white film print exists

Gavin's younger sister Grizel is put on trial for being a witch. (This episode was given a Radio Times cover.)

16mm black-and-white film print exists

A friend visits Gavin who tries to persuade him to travel to Europe. But when pilgrims arrive, he is caught up in religious turmoil of the era.

16mm black-and-white film print exists

An English fugitive saves Gavin's life, but is soon compromised when he gives him shelter.

16mm black-and-white film print exists

Gavin has a rival, when a David Scott claims to be the real Laird of Slitrig.

Missing

Cessford lies wounded at Slitrig after an assassination attempt by John Hume.

16mm black-and-white film print exists

The Kers' arguments with the Armstrongs lead Jamie to be accused of murdering one of them.

16mm black-and-white film print exists

Gavin must sneak into England to rescue a Scottish spy.

Missing

The Scotts of Branxholm raise Gavin's wrath when they boast openly of stealing the warden's cattle.

16mm black-and-white film print exists

When the Telfers, friends of the Kers, are evicted for debt, they desperately seek religious justification for the only option open to them: stealing.

Missing

A young Italian physician, Mario Vecchi, seeks refuge with the Kers, when he fails to save a patient's life, and the Armstrongs seek vengeance.

Exists in colour

An English princess is taken hostage, while on the way to marry a Scot she detests. Guest starring John Thaw and Vivien Heilbron.

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Series 2

Exists in colour

The English attack a castle owned by the Laird of Cocklaws, Gavin defends him, whilst knowing his motives are a sham. Guest starring William Hurndell and Hilda Braid.

Exists in colour

The Kers believe a cattle buyer is in league with Cessford to rob them of their living.

Exists in colour

Agnes Ker is snatched by a gypsy, Hector Faa. Gavin must fight Hector and Agnes to get her back.

Missing

Cessford tries to marry off his troublesome ward to an English warden. The romance turns lethal and is complicated by an Arab stallion.

Missing

Cessford is involved in a charge of treason when he attempts to uncover a traitor at the court of Queen Mary. (This episode was given a Radio Times cover.)

Missing

Cessford travels to Edinburgh seeking promotion, only to end up with dismissal and disgrace.

Missing

The Quacksalvers trick their way into Slitrig, and Gavin has to decide whether they should be pitied or are rogues.

Missing

Gavin defends his bonded tenant against torture and a monstrous charge.

Missing

A woman called "The Wee Daftie" changes men's opinions on the role of women in society.

Missing

A boy is to be hanged within three days if stolen beasts are not returned.

Exists in colour

Cessford's son brings a new bride and murder with him to Cessford Castle.

Missing

Cessford has a hugely powerful cannon, which to the surprise of everyone, finds itself at the bottom of Slitrig Loch.

Exists in colour

To settle the feud between the Kers and the Johnstones, a wrestling match is arranged.

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