Duns

This is the birthplace of John Duns Scotus (c.1265-1308), also known as John of Duns, a philosopher who wrote works on grammar, logic, metaphysics and theology. Other philosophers disagreed with him and as a result it believed the term dunce is derived from his name.

In 1516 Anthony Darcy, the warden of all the Scottish Marches, was implicated in various events that led to the execution of Baron Hume and his brother. Hume's family murdered Darcy at Broomhouse, to the east of Duns. Darcy's head was taken to Hume Castle, near Kelso. A monument was later built where Darcy's body was buried.

In 1792 there was a riot in Duns against the Turnpike Act.

See our Bookshop in association with Amazon.co.uk!

Accommodation in
the Scottish Borders

Tourist Information