Gala Harriers Kirsty Rankine and Isla Paterson were also in action for their country at U17 and U20 levels respectively.
Hilton’s team-mate Jonathon Downey, of Kilmarnock, was second to England’s William Longden by 19 seconds in 25:48, with Angus Wright, of East Lothian, fourth in 26:08, and Harris Pagett, of Strathearn Harriers, fifth in 26:12. Clocking 26:30, Hilton finished eighth.
Paterson helped Scotland’s U20 women finish second to England, clocking 29:40 for fifth place.
Scotland’s U17 girls claimed a bronze medal, assisted by Rankine’s ninth-placed finish in 18:56.
Cademuir Hill also hosted an inter-district competition at the same time and Gala’s Ava Richardson helped East Scotland’s U17s claim victory with a first place in that section, and tenth overall, in 18:56.
1. Sunday's home countries hill-running junior international at Cademuir Hill, near Peebles
Borderer Thomas Hilton, second from right, with his Scottish under-20 team-mates at Sunday's home countries hill-running junior international at Cademuir Hill, near Peebles Photo: Neil Renton
2. Sunday's home countries hill-running junior international at Cademuir Hill, near Peebles
Kirsty Rankine running for Scotland's under-17s at Sunday's home countries hill-running junior international at Cademuir Hill, near Peebles, clocking 18:56 Photo: Neil Renton
3. Sunday's home countries hill-running junior international at Cademuir Hill, near Peebles
Borderer Zico Field clocking 29:47 for East Scotland's under-20s at Sunday's home countries hill-running junior international at Cademuir Hill, near Peebles, for 21st place Photo: Neil Renton
4. Sunday's home countries hill-running junior international at Cademuir Hill, near Peebles
Gala Harrier Ava Richardson running for East Scotland's under-17s at Sunday's home countries hill-running junior international at Cademuir Hill, near Peebles, clocking 18:56 Photo: Neil Renton