The Battle of Flodden: Reflections, Rememberance, and Tartan
Over 500 years on, the Battle of Flodden endures in memory and tradition, across the Scottish Borders and beyond.
Today marks the 512th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden - a date of enormous significance for Scotland, England, and especially for the Border communities. For us at Nicolson Kiltmakers, it is also deeply personal - the Flodden Commemorative Tartan, designed by Gordon Nicolson in 2013, was born of 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.
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 was1966, 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 a ‘better felt than telt’ day… 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!”
Her words capture the sense of both duty and joy: 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.
The three selected Principles, this year Coldstreamer Aaron Lunn, his left hand man Jake Kerr and right hand man Josh Kerr carried out their duties to the highest standard and did the town proud...
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."
"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. Most of the Border Common Ridings can link their roots, directly or indirectly, back to the battle of Flodden and the immediate aftermath of the battle in the local area. It is very fitting therefore, that the final Common Riding of the summer heads to Flodden, and Coldstream is extremely proud to hold this important and well-loved event each year."
The Flodden Commemorative Tartan
Moved by these enduring sentiments, Gordon Nicolson created 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.
It is a cloth that locks together both sides of the battle, not in conflict, but in memory. Today, it forms part of our collection of kilts, trews, and accessories, but its true meaning lies far deeper - it is woven history.
That deep connection between place, history, and identity is felt by many who ride to Flodden. Ken Brydon reflects on the meaning behind the tradition:
“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.”
As we mark this year’s anniversary, we pause to remember the lives lost at Flodden, the devastation carried through generations, and the strength of communities who still honour those who came before.
Through music, through tradition, and through tartan, the memory of Flodden endures - not as a tale of division, but as a reminder of shared humanity and the threads that continue to bind us together.