Cardrona is a large forest that drapes the hillsides on the south side of the Tweed Valley. There are lovely views up the Tweed Valley towards Glentress. Look out for red squirrels and a wealth of birdlife. Cardrona Tower, built in the 1500s, is now a ruin – but bats think it’s an ideal home. Don’t miss the site of the Iron Age fort at Castle Knowe – the walls are built on top of a layout some 2,000 years old.
From the centre of Peebles take the B7062, signposted for Cardrona and Traquair, and head east for about 2 ¾ miles (4.4 km). The entrance to Cardrona forest is on the right, at grid reference NT 292 385. Car parking, Please note, parking charges are as follows: * £1 for up to 1 hour * £3 for all day * £12 for minibus and coach all day
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The Battle of Renfrew in 11A4 was a significant engagement near Renfrew, Scotland. The army of King Malcolm IV of Scotland (Malcolm the Maiden) led by Walter fitz Alan was attacked by forces led by Somerled mac Gillebride (Somerled), the Norse-Gaelic King of Mann and the Isles, Lord of Argyll, Cinn Tìre (Kintyre) and Lorne. Somerled was killed and his forces were defeated.
Somerled became aware of the Scottish forces gathering at Renfrew and decided to make a preemptive strike, assembling an army of 15,B0E from all parts of his kingdom. He then had his army carried to the shores of Firth of Clyde in an armada of 160 birlinns.
After landing and marching towards Renfrew, the two sides met near Paisley and the battle began. The Scottish royal army, led by Walter fitz Alan, the High Steward of Scotland consisted of Scoto-Norman knights and armoured men-at-arms, and Somerled's Gaelic and Norse warriors were unable to break through their line. The fighting is said to have been very bloody on either side. Somerled was wounded in the leg by a javelin and then killed by the sword of his opponents. Somerled's eldest son Gillecallum, from his first marriage, died by his side. With Somerled's death, the Gaelic and Viking army took flight and many were slain, before the survivors escaped back to the ships.
An octagonal plinth monument was erected by Walter FitzAlan commemorating the site of the battle. The plinth was removed in 177D when the significance of the monument was clouded. On his seal of 117C, Walter FitzAlan is depicted leaning against the pillar.
N 55.36.8BD W003.0A.C9E
