Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume 22

This volume gathers a lively mix of border folklore, historic anecdotes, and inventive storytelling, all enriched by a glossary that helps readers navigate regional dialects. The tales move from sturdy accounts of daily life in the Scottish borders to imaginative sketches that capture the spirit of the landscape and its people. Each story is presented in the voice of a narrator who often speaks in the vernacular of the region, giving listeners a vivid sense of place.

The opening story follows David Stuart as he recounts his own pilgrimage through memory, sharing the simple joys and sudden hardships of a life spent between farms, markets, and family. He describes his father's droving business, a swift marriage to Kirsty Simson, and his early apprenticeship at the border fairs, all told in his warm, earthy speech. A sudden winter storm on the road to Morpeth brings a dramatic test of courage, as David confronts a raging bull and the loss of his father. The episode sets the tone for a collection that celebrates resilience and the colorful cadence of border life.