In the Border Country

Imagine a journey through the rolling hills and ancient towns that straddle the England‑Scotland border, where every winding lane holds a story told in stone, song, and the vivid brushstrokes of 19th‑century artists. The author invites readers to set aside the lure of distant Alpine resorts and discover the unexpected adventure found close to home, exploring how cost, convenience, and a touch of national rivalry have shaped the way we holiday. With a lively preface that mixes humor and sharp observation, the tone feels like a friendly guide urging you to look beyond the familiar postcard.

The main text weaves together history, folklore, and landscape painting, offering thirty‑plus colour plates that bring ruined castles, bustling market towns, and quiet moorland into vivid focus. Interspersed with anecdotes about the people who have lived, fought, and loved in this rugged frontier, the narrative balances scholarly notes with accessible storytelling. Listeners will come away with a richer sense of place and perhaps a new reason to explore the border country on their own next holiday.