IT proved to be the most devastating defeat in the history of the Borders, writes Kenny Paterson.
With the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden less than a year away, a series of events and memorials are being prepared to mark the September 9 conflict which killed up to 17,000 Scottish men.
But ahead of the quincentenary, Selkirk-based IDEOMS Theatre Company are touring their show Soddin’ Flodden.
The group received positive reviews following its debut at this summer’s Edinburgh Fringe. Written by John Nichol, it recounts the life of James IV and charts the events leading up to the calamitous defeat at Flodden, which Mr Nichol says is a “A history lesson of sorts”.
Soddin’ Flodden, featuring music by Hilary Bell and Lucy Cowan alongside Mr Nichol, has already been performed in the clubrooms of Selkirk RFC.
And further shows are to be held this Saturday at Yarrowfeus Hall (phone 01750 82254 or 01750 82206), and on Sunday at Midlem Village Hall (phone 01835 870642).
Mr Nichol added: “It’s the kind of show that can be seen more than once in order that all of the fast-moving storyline can be taken in.
“There are plenty of laughs and a good selection of sing-a-long songs, as well as a wide assortment of headgear and weaponry.”
The show has already proved popular with Lord Joicey, whose Northumberland estate includes the Flodden battlefield site.