For the second in this short series of 'Wilson's New Tales of The Border', I add my own effort to the mythology, paying tribute to 19th century storyteller JM Wilson, with a very 21st century story. This is my version of an unlikely tale which played out by the River Tweed, across a number of years. An escaped domestic goose, who became an unofficial town mascot and source of comfort during the Covid pandemic, in particular for an endearing and unlikely friendship. I am grateful to the goose's owner Glenn for filling is some of the blanks, and the people of Innerleithen whose love for the goose I have tried to put across in this podcast. Do you have a story relating to this goose, or something I have missed or got wrong? Let me know in the comments, lets keep the stories of the goose alive!

A text version can be found on my blog at this link “The Goose and The Horse” — Tweed Valley Blogger | Tour Guide | Scottish Borders

The first episode of this mini series of Wilson's New Tales can be listened to here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ltXvqwHuHRdzpBWkL3wge?si=1zmiEawFR0qp-rstUZHAzA

A new series of blogs and podcasts, ‘Wilsons New Tales of The Border’. Inspired by 19th century storyteller JM Wilson, I bring one of his tales up to date and add my own to the mythology of The Borders…

In this first episode I travel to Elibank Castle, the gaunt ruin which sits romantically above the River Tweed, and re-tell one of Wilson's finest tales - 'The Wife or The Wuddy', better known as Muckle Moothed Meg. This enduring Borders tale of warring families, a kind hearted young lady and an unlikely marriage has been a staple of Borders culture for 400 years. Here, I revisit Wilson's version, adding my own spin. You can also read the story on my blog, link below.

Please subscribe to get first listen to episode two, 'The Goose and The Horse', out in a couple of weeks time.

Scottish Borders Blog — Tweed Valley Blogger | Tour Guide | Scottish Borders

Rounding off Season 1 of Tweed Valley Echoes with a festive trip to Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford. It feels very fitting to be at Abbotsford to round off this season, as Sir Walter has come up in almost all of the previous episodes – such is his influence in The Borders. It is also a chance to join me on a visit the house in all its Christmas finery, they do a great job of recreating the 1820’s at Abbotsford and have a full programme of events right up until early January – you’ll have a great day if you can make it along this season.

Links below to the Abbotsford Trust’s website so you can see what they have on, as well as my Ko-Fi page which is where you can donate to help me with the costs of bringing you these podcasts.

Tweed Valley Echoes will return in 2025, with Wilson’s New Tales of the Borders. Seasons Greetings to you all

Tweed Valley Echoes is a series of podcasts brought to you by Stewart Wilson (www.tweedvalleyblogger.com), a Scottish Borders based tour guide and blogger. Tweed Valley Echoes aims to share Stewart’s passion for The Borders with you, in a series of immersive podcasts.

Abbotsford - The Home of Sir Walter Scott

Support Stewart Wilson on Ko-fi! ❤️. ko-fi.com/tweedvalleyblogger - Ko-fi ❤️ Where creators get support from fans through donations, memberships, shop sales and more! The original 'Buy Me a Coffee' Page.