The Borderers

Michael Gambon

Gavin Ker

Russell Waters

Acting

James Garbutt

Acting

Ian McCulloch

Robin Graham

Seasons

Season 1

13 episodes

Premiered Dec 31, 1968

Season 2

13 episodes

Premiered Jan 6, 1970

Episodes

1–6 of 13

Ep 1

Vengeance

Dec 31, 1968

Gavin Ker of Slitrig, the eldest son of the family, seeks a wider world, but a shattering experience lies in front of him.

Ep 2

Truce

Jan 7, 1969

Accused of murdering an Englishman when he led his men across the border in search of Agnes, Gavin must stand trial at the next Day of Truce - when the opposing Wardens meet together to settle their outstanding quarrels. Gavin can be saved if he signs a bond making him Cessford's man. But Gavin would rather lose his life than his independence, and as things are he might have to.

Ep 3

Witch Hunt

Jan 14, 1969

Religion is in turmoil and men turn to darker gods. On the Scottish border witchcraft is rife. So when a neighbour's cattle catch plague accusing fingers point and a charge is laid against Gavin's younger sister Grizel. Cessford has to try her, little knowing how hard it is to make the charge of witchcraft stick.

Ep 4

Treason

Jan 21, 1969

Gavin is visited by a friend who tries to persuade him to travel to Europe with him. But some pilgrims arrive... a religious fanatic, a girl veiled like a nun, a truculent friar. Soon Gavin is caught up in the political crossfire of the time - and exposed to a danger that in those days would have terrified everyone.

Ep 5

Fugitive

Jan 28, 1969

An English fugitive, Tom Styles, flees across the border to Scotland and hides. Gavin, riding by, is attacked by outlaws and Styles saves his life: in return Gavin shelters him at Slitrig. But it is a punishable offence to harbour wanted criminals from England, and soon Gavin has to choose between his own life and Styles's.

Ep 6

Stranger

Feb 4, 1969