Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume 10

A vivid portrait of life on the Scottish Borders unfolds against the crisp, festive days of December and January, when snow‑laden hills and roaring hearths set the stage for ancient customs. The narrative weaves the folklore of “first‑foot”—the person who first crosses a threshold after midnight—into the communal celebrations of Christmas and New Year, hinting at the superstitious belief that this visitor can seal a household’s luck for the coming year. Warm humor and regional dialect bring the border towns to life, inviting listeners to feel the chill of the winter air and the glow of shared merriment.

At the heart of the tale is Nelly Rogers, a sensible farmer’s wife whose childhood superstitions still guide her actions. When the clock strikes twelve on New Year’s Eve, she anxiously awaits the first‑foot, hoping for good fortune for her family, especially her brilliant yet awkward son, George. A sudden knock at the door—delivering a mysterious letter from a distant relative—sets the stage for a tense encounter that will test the Rogers’ beliefs and the fragile peace of the holiday night.