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.

Join me (Tweed Valley Blogger) on a journey to Berwick Upon Tweed, England's most northerly town. After stopping at Allanton Inn in Scotland's Berwickshire, I delve into the long and often violent history of Berwick, a history which saw it move between Scotland and England a dozen times. I consider the impact this has made on Berwick and the people of the town, who have a strong local identity. Berwick today is great for shopping, has a lively arts scene and makes for one of the best locations in the UK for a short break, and in the podcast my love for the town comes across. Links below to some of the places discussed in the episode - enjoy!

Allanton Inn

Visit Berwick Upon Tweed

LS Lowry in Berwick

Berwickshire Flag

Join me (Tweed Valley Blogger) on a walk into the past at the charming Borders village of Ettrickbridge. I go in search of stories of Auld Wat Scott of Harden, ancestor of Sir Walter Scott and an infamous Border Reiver. I explore the village and hike out to Scott's old stronghold, Kirkhope Tower, now lovingly restored as a private residence. Along the way I discuss Scott's story, and the lawless times he lived in, as well as bringing it bang up to date with the village's award winning pub, The Cross Keys Inn. Join me to learn more about this fascinating period in Borders history.

Support my Podcast on Ko-Fi

Kirkhope Tower Circular Walking Route

The Cross Keys Ettrickbridge

Episode Four of Tweed Valley Echoes was recorded at Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve. The reserve is managed by The National Trust for Scotland and I hope you enjoy joining me to explore some of the quieter sections of the reserve...

The Grey Mare's Tail is easily found on the A708 road between Moffat and Selkirk - one of the finest routes through The Southern Uplands. Enjoy the episode

Links:

Ko-Fi Donations (Includes photo of me, Clare Balding and goose...)

Tweed Valley Blogger Events (Twixmas Walk)

National Trust for Scotland - Membership

Welcome to Episode Three of Tweed Valley Echoes, and this week we visit Dryburgh Abbey, one of the four mighty, medieval abbeys of The Scottish Borders. Join me as I give my views on why this region of Britain has such a close concentration of these abbeys and dive into the life of the man credited with bringing them here - King David I of Scotland. I also touch on Sir Walter Scott and Earl Haig, both buried in this peaceful spot. The Abbey is managed for the nation by Historic Environment Scotland and is available to visit all year round. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly so please do visit and let me know what you make of it! Links below to my Ko-Fi page where you can support me to make more podcasts, as well as information from HES on Dryburgh Abbey.

ko-fi.com/tweedvalleyblogger

HES - Dryburgh Abbey

Episode Two of Tweed Valley Echoes from Tweed Valley Blogger, released along with Episode One to get the series off to a bang! Join me in one of my favourite places to learn more about The Borders largest loch, and the special place it has in my heart. We touch on long forgotten stories, long distance footpaths and long term management of this special place. Enjoy!

ko-fi.com/tweedvalleyblogger

The Border Widow Lament - Electric Scotland

Tibbie Shiel - Wikipedia