The Borderers is a British television series produced by the BBC between 1968 and 1970.

Setting A historical drama series, The Borderers was set during the 16th century and chronicled the lives of the Ker family, who lived in the Scottish Middle March on the frontier between England and Scotland. Some episodes of the show depict the wider politics, mostly as it affects their relative Sir Walter Ker, warden of the Middle March

The series was described by The Guardian in 2007 as "brave and original...a kind of north-eastern western". It shows an ordinary family trying to live as part of a society of Border Reivers, a world where raid and feud were unavoidable parts of daily life. The wars between England and Scotland had destroyed the normal processes of law enforcement. The setting is a particularly tense time, with Elizabeth of England and Mary, Queen of Scots, in competition. Also the struggle between Protestants and Catholics in both kingdoms. Amidst all this, the Kers of Slitrig are trying to live an ordinary life.

The leading cast members were Iain Cuthbertson, Edith MacArthur and Michael Gambon.

Season One was produced by Peter Graham Scott, who had worked on The Avengers, Mogul, The Troubleshooters and would later go on to make The Onedin Line.

Season Two was produced by Anthony Coburn who had previously worked on Doctor Who.

In 2007, two episodes of The Borderers were part of the BBC Archive Trial.

Cast The regular cast were Michael Gambon as Gavin Ker (male head of the family), Edith MacArthur as Margaret Ker and Iain Cuthbertson as Sir Walter Ker of Cessford. Nell Brennan as Agnes Ker (Series 1) and Eileen Nicholas as Agnes Ker (Series 2). Margaret Greig as Grizel Ker, Joseph Brady as Rab (Series 1) and James Garbutt as Rab (Series 2). Ross Campbell as Jamie Ker and Russell Waters as Pringle (Cessford's clerk). Sir Walter Ker is a real historical figure, though little is known of him and most of what is shown in the series is invented.

Episode guide Of the show's 26 episodes, only 15 survive today, mainly from series 1, with 7 existing in their original colour format, the other 8 existing as black and white telerecordings.The Borderers and other unseen series

Series 1

Ep. No.TitleWriter(s)ProducerAirdateArchive status1""Bill CraigPeter Graham Scott31 December 1968Exists in colourThe elder of the Ker family, Gavin, has a shattering experience in front of him when he seeks a wider world.2""Bill CraigPeter Graham Scott 7 January 196916mm black-and-white film print existsWhen Gavin leads his men across the border to seek Agnes, he is accused of murdering an Englishman.3""Vincent TilsleyPeter Graham Scott 14 January 196916mm black-and-white film print existsGavin's younger sister Grizel is put on trial for being a witch. (This episode was given a Radio Times cover.)4""Jack RonderPeter Graham Scott 21 January 196916mm black-and-white film print existsA friend visits Gavin who tries to persuade him to travel to Europe. But when pilgrims arrive, he is caught up in religious turmoil of the era.5""Allan PriorPeter Graham Scott 28 January 196916mm black-and-white film print existsAn English fugitive saves Gavin's life, but is soon compromised when he gives him shelter.6""Bill CraigPeter Graham Scott 4 February 196916mm black-and-white film print existsGavin has a rival, when a David Scott claims to be the real Laird of Slitrig.7""Jack RonderPeter Graham Scott 11 February 1969MissingCessford lies wounded at Slitrig after an assassination attempt by John Hume.8""George F KerrPeter Graham Scott 18 February 196916mm black-and-white film print existsThe Kers' arguments with the Armstrongs lead Jamie to be accused of murdering one of them.9""Eve MartellPeter Graham Scott 25 February 196916mm black-and-white film print existsGavin must sneak into England to rescue a Scottish spy.10""Sean HignettPeter Graham Scott 4 March 1969MissingThe Scotts of Branxholm raise Gavin's wrath when they boast openly of stealing the warden's cattle.11""Bruce StewartPeter Graham Scott 11 March 196916mm black-and-white film print existsWhen the Telfers, friends of the Kers, are evicted for debt, they desperately seek religious justification for the only option open to them: stealing.12""John LucarottiPeter Graham Scott 18 March 1969MissingA young Italian physician, Mario Vecchi, seeks refuge with the Kers, when he fails to save a patient's life, and the Armstrongs seek vengeance.13""Julian NeesPeter Graham Scott 25 March 1969Exists in colourAn English princess is taken hostage, while on the way to marry a Scot she detests. Guest starring John Thaw and Vivien Heilbron.

Series 2

Ep. No.TitleWriter(s)ProducerAirdateArchive status1""Jan ReadAnthony Coburn 6 January 1970Exists in colourThe English attack a castle owned by the Laird of Cocklaws, Gavin defends him, whilst knowing his motives are a sham. Guest starring William Hurndell and Hilda Braid.2""George F KerrAnthony Coburn 13 January 1970Exists in colourThe Kers believe a cattle buyer is in league with Cessford to rob them of their living.3""Jan ReadAnthony Coburn 20 January 1970Exists in colourAgnes Ker is snatched by a gypsy, Hector Faa. Gavin must fight Hector and Agnes to get her back.4""Anthony StevenAnthony Coburn 27 January 1970MissingCessford tries to marry off his troublesome ward to an English warden. The romance turns lethal and is complicated by an Arab stallion.5""Bill CraigAnthony Coburn 3 February 1970MissingCessford is involved in a charge of treason when he attempts to uncover a traitor at the court of Queen Mary. (This episode was given a Radio Times cover.)6""Anthony CoburnAnthony Coburn 10 February 1970MissingCessford travels to Edinburgh seeking promotion, only to end up with dismissal and disgrace.7""Roy RussellAnthony Coburn 17 February 1970MissingThe Quacksalvers trick their way into Slitrig, and Gavin has to decide whether they should be pitied or are rogues.8""Martin WorthAnthony Coburn 24 February 1970MissingGavin defends his bonded tenant against torture and a monstrous charge.9""Bruce StewartAnthony Coburn 25 February 1969MissingA woman called "The Wee Daftie" changes men's opinions on the role of women in society.10""Tom WrightAnthony Coburn 10 March 1970MissingA boy is to be hanged within three days if stolen beasts are not returned.11""Martin WorthAnthony Coburn 17 March 1970Exists in colourCessford's son brings a new bride and murder with him to Cessford Castle.12""Martin WorthAnthony Coburn 24 March 1970MissingCessford has a hugely powerful cannon, which to the surprise of everyone, finds itself at the bottom of Slitrig Loch.13""Morris FarhiAnthony Coburn 31 March 1970Exists in colourTo settle the feud between the Kers and the Johnstones, a wrestling match is arranged.

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