The Battle of Flodden: Reflections, Rememberance, and Tartan
Over 500 years on, the impact of the Battle of Flodden continues to be felt across the Scottish Borders and beyond.
The 9th of September is a date of enormous significance both Scotland and England, but especially for those who call the Scottish Borders their home. For us, at Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, it is also deeply personal. So much so that Gordon was moved to design the Flodden Tartan, to commemorate the very sentiment that surrounds this day.
“Flodden Day, to me, is a bridge between past and present - a time to honour the sacrifice etched into history, and to feel the living pride of seeing your son lead the cavalcade, carrying the Town Standard, and galloping up Branxton Hill.
It is a memory that will stay with me forever. It is in that moment I see both remembrance and renewal, the weight of our history carried forward with dignity , hope but most of all pride."
- Fiona Shepherd, Vice Chair of Presenting Coldstream Association
The Battle of Flodden
On 9 September 1513, the Scots and English armies met on Flodden Field near Branxton in Northumberland. King James IV of Scotland led an army, some accounts say 60,000 strong, across the Border in support of France, Scotland’s long-standing ally against England. By the time they reached Branxton Hill, the Scots still vastly outnumbered the English force commanded by Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey.
Yet, despite their numbers, the Scots were outmanoeuvred. The English flanked them, and the very ground James chose became his downfall. Their long pikes were useless on the boggy slopes, artillery rained down, and retreat was impossible. By mid-afternoon, the battle was raging and by nightfall, it was devastation.
Around 10,000 Scots, including King James himself - the last reigning monarch of the British Isles to fall in combat - lay dead, alongside some 5,000 English soldiers.
The shock was felt far and wide. Edinburgh feared invasion and hurried to build new defences - the Flodden Wall, fragments of which still stand today. Generations of Border families were left devastated, their losses remembered to this day in town festivals and ceremonies throughout the Borders.
Coldstream’s Commemoration
Each August, Coldstream marks this history with a rideout and service at Flodden Field. The sound of pipes fills the air, banners are carried proudly, and the landscape itself becomes part of the remembrance. For many families, attending Flodden has been a tradition handed down through generations.
“It was 1966, when I was 5 years old, that I rode to Flodden on my pony, Darkie. My Dad led me, and it has been part of our family’s summer ever since. Nowadays I take the picnic for my nieces who are riding as it’s a big family day out.”
- Elspeth Spouse
"Flodden is childhood memories, family, friends, fun...with fond memories of adventures, mainly on horse back, up to Flodden field."
- Victoria Ewart
“Aside from Christmas, Flodden is the best day of the year. From start to finish the whole day is incredible. People come from all over to experience it and it’s definitely ‘better felt than telt’…it all makes for a very special day.”
- Rebecca Kelly
The spectacle is made possible by the efforts of many, from the Coldstream Guards and Pipe Band to volunteering organisers like Presenting Coldstream and Coldstream Riders Associations, who dedicate months to preparation. Louise Nicolson reflects on this collective effort.
“Flodden Day to me is about belonging as well as remembrance… Community is still right at the heart of Flodden Day. So many people make huge efforts to mark the day, be part of it and to make sure events carry on for future generations - they’re all warriors, protecting our heritage!”
- Louise Nicolson
There is both duty and joy on Flodden day: an early start, preparing horses and ties, gathering at Cornhill, setting up the family picnic at Branxton, the spectacle of the horses galloping up Branxton Hill, and finally cheering as the cavalcade arrives safely back into Coldstream to the sound of the Pipe Band.
Anna Thompson of Presenting Coldstream Association, is instrumental in encouraging sponsors to support the voluntary efforts. She and Louise co-ordinated Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers sponsorship of Flodden Day for the first time in 2025.
"As part of the Presenting Coldstream committee I work with a small number of volunteers to plan and execute a week full of various events for Coldstream’s yearly Civic Week held in August.
We take great pride in Civic Week, with Flodden Day being a main spectacle of the event. Whether following on horseback as part of the cavalcade or on foot, it really is a memorable day for all.
I personally have taken part in Flodden day for the past thirty five years, completing my first ride out at the age of five. Following my uncle, Graham Thomson in 1989. As a young girl I remember the excitement, the cheers and pride of riding through the town and the gallop up Branxton Hill. With the thrill comes an eeriness as you ride past the war memorial, thinking of those who fought all those years ago...
Nicolson Kiltmakers kindly offered to be one of the main sponsors of Flodden Day. Louise and Gordon, along with their family, have an understanding of the importance of this tradition and this shows with the efforts dedicated to producing the beautiful Flodden Day tartan but also on a personal level of building memories around the day."
- Anna Thompson, Presenting Coldstream committee member
"As well as the historical significance of remembering the battle, Flodden Day is also the finale of the Border Common Riding season, when a great number of visitors from all over the Borders come to Coldstream to mark the end of another season of Common Ridings and Summer Festivals.
It is an occasion for all the Border Towns to come together to celebrate our unique history and heritage, and to strengthen the common bonds between all Borderers in this wonderful part of the world."
- Derek Balmbro, Chairman of Presenting Coldstream Association
The Flodden Commemorative Tartan
Moved by these sentiments, Gordon Nicolson designed the Flodden Commemorative Tartan to mark the battle’s 500th anniversary. Woven in Selkirk by Lochcarron of Scotland, where the losses of Flodden were deeply felt, the tartan symbolises unity in remembrance:
Red & Gold - the Lion Rampant of Scotland.
Green & White - the Tudor colours of England.
Grey & Brown - the ground on which they fought and where many still lie.
“What Flodden means to me is that we stand upon sacred ground where the blood of our ancestors was spilled and soaked the soil at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. That’s why we ride on horseback - to commemorate our ancient ancestors and what they fought and died for. Seeing over 300 people on horseback brings a spine-chilling feeling… it makes us all proud to be Scottish.”
- Ken Brydon
