Johnnie Armstrong

'Border Reiver, Laird of Gilnockie'

Johnnie (Johnie) Armstrong was probably the most famous of all the Border Reivers . James V was frustrated and infuriated by the amount of disorder in the Borders and was determined to establish his authority in that area. He imprisoned the Earl of Bothwell, Lord Home, Lord Maxwell, Scott of Buccleuch and other powerful Border chiefs . Johnnie Armstrong was the second son of the chief of the Armstrong’s – Alexander Armstrong Laird of Mangerton who were the largest and most powerful family on the Borders . Johnnie and a number of his comrades were lured to a meeting with James V at a place called Carlenrigg near Teviothead in Roxburghshire. The King had Johnnie and his companions arrested, then without trial, they were hanged on the instructions of James V at Carlenrigg in November 1531. His defiance that day is commemorated and echoed in the soulful popular Border Ballad ‘Johnnie Armstrong’

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Farewell! my bonny Gilnock Hall

Where on Esk side thou standest stout !

Gif I had lived but seven yeirs mair

I wad a gilt thee round about

John Murdered was at Carlinrigg

And all his gallant companie;

But Scotland's heart was ne'er sae wae

To see sae mony brave men die.

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