From the sacred silence of Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire, to the small village of Newstead in the Scottish Borders before ending up at Melrose Abbey, this podcast dives into Medieval history, and brings it to the 21st century.

I have been inspired to tell this story by the Newstead Village Community Trust and their first ever Sundials Festival (Saturday 7 September 2025). The community is rightly proud of the heritage of the stonemasons, and I hope this podcast and the village's new Newstead Stonemasons Trail will bring this fascinating piece of Borders heritage to new audiences.

Links:

Dryburgh Abbey Podcast (more on King David I)

Rievaulx Abbey (English Heritage)

Newstead Village Community Trust

Melrose Abbey (Historic Environment Scotland)

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.

Rounding off Season 1 of Tweed Valley Echoes with a festive

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

Tweed Valley Echoes is a series of podcasts brought to you

Abbotsford - The

Support

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

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

Episode One of Tweed Valley Echoes from Tweed Valley Blogger finds me at Old Gala House in Galashiels. Find out why I chose this place to kick off this podcast series, which aims to give you new insights into The Scottish Borders. I aim to share with you why I think The Borders is special and you should visit, or if you are local to show you that there may be more to The Borders than you think... Enjoy.

Links:

ko-fi.com/tweedvalleyblogger