Carterhaugh Explained

Carterhaugh is a wood and farm near the confluence of the Yarrow Water and the Ettrick Water near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders.[1] This real location shares its name with the fictional setting for the meeting between Tam Lin and Janet (sometimes Margaret) in the ballad "Tam Lin".[2] This is commemorated in the name of Tamlane's Well, on the roadside outside Carterhaugh Farm.[3] The link between the location and the ballad is debated.[4]

It is close to the site of the Battle of Philiphaugh (1645) on Ettrick Water and to the birthplace of Mungo Park on Yarrow Water. Carterhaugh Bridge is a listed building, reference number 13866, listed as Caterhaugh.

References

55.531°N -2.892°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: BBC Scotland. Carterhaugh Ba' Game is re-enacted at Bowhill Estate. 4 December 2015.
  2. Web site: Tam Lin and Carterhaugh, Selkirk, Scotland . tam-lin.org. 2018-11-05.
  3. Web site: Tamlane's Well (Carterhaugh) - Holy Well or Sacred Spring in Scotland in Scottish Borders. The Megalithic Portal. 7 December 2023.
  4. Web site: Between Carterhaugh and Tamshiel Rig: a borderline episode. Iain. Biggs. 7 December 2023. University of Leeds.