South through the Borders

I had such a lovely drive from Ayr to Brotton.

Along the road I kept seeing names of places that remind me of songs that I know.

I didn’t stop everywhere, but here are the few that did call to me.

Passing by Kielder, I was reminded of Willie Scott who was known as The Border Shepherd. He, along with others, were the tradition bearers of the songs from that area. I saw him a few times, when I was very young, in the 70s and his tall commanding frame and twinkling eyes made a great impression as he sang to us as if we were all at home round a blazing fire. Amongst many wonderful songs, he sang “The Keilder Hunt” which was recorded, thank goodness for future folkies to hear and learn.

Next came Lauder, and I thought of Harry Lauder and his lovely Music Hall songs “Mary, my Scots Bluebell” and “Roamin’ in the gloamin’”.

We lived in Lauderdale Road in Hunton Bridge, Herts, during my teens so that also brought back lovely memories of those days.

The town of Lauder is set in beautiful rolling hills. It has a typical Scottish small town feel about it, and the Cenotaph with its lion atop describes the part of history that pulls at all our heart strings.

Then we crossed over the River Tweed and I sing a beautiful song “Both sides the Tweed” having heard it sung by the great Dick Gaughan. The song talks of the evils of greed and power hunger, but hopes that friendship and honour will flourish and unite the folks ‘Both sides the Tweed’.

The majesty of the river as it winds its way through the green valley is breathtaking.

There is so much variety to the Scottish Borders scenery. It is undulating and interesting as you go from moorland to forests and riversides. It is no wonder that so many wonderful songs and stories emanate from this unforgiving land.

Then I drove through the Historic town of Jedburgh, where the ill fated Mary Queen of Scots stayed for a few weeks. The castle, and it’s Victorian jail are world famous, and I did see the picturesque and commanding Abbey in passing.

I have talked about going over Carter Bar in a previous article and my journey took me into Northumberland. “The Flower of Northumberland” is the epic ballad from these lands, where a young maiden falls in love with a Baron and wants to run away with him, but he sends her home to her father.

I hope to visit the Scottish Borders again, but, if not, these are wonderful memories to treasure.