Twelve Ways the Library Makes Life Better

A Pilgrimage for James Hogg - Innerleithen to Ettrick

This longer than usual episode follows my 20 plus mile walk from Innerleithen to Ettrick Kirk, a personal pilgrimage in honour of James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd and founder of St Ronan’s Border Games. The route carried me through the landscapes that shaped his imagination from the very familiar Leithen Valley, on to the Southern Upland Way, across moor and forest to the wide Yarrow valley where I dodge cows and grab lunch before finally reaching the pastoral beauty and absolute peace of Ettrick. Along the way I reflected on Hogg’s poetry and the legacy he left both on the page and in the life of our community. A huge part of this journey was guided by the James Hogg Poetry Trails booklet, created by Sue Briggs and everyone involved in the project. It was my companion mile after mile, a wonderful piece of work that helped me connect the physical landscape with Hogg’s words and spirit. I think more people should be aware of this booklet and hope this walk can help with that. I also used the walk to raise funds for St Ronan’s Border Games, contributing around £250 toward the future of the event Hogg founded. With the Games approaching their remarkable 200th anniversary in 2027, it felt important to give something back, a small gesture of gratitude to the tradition he started and that continues to give Innerleithen much of its identity. I hope you enjoy joining me on this walk, following the footsteps of James Hogg.

Turning Threads to Treads

Turning Threads to Treads - three Scottish Borders walks inspired by the Great Tapestry of Scotland. This episode is an audio version of a blog I was invited to create for The Great Tapestry of Scotland. The piece explores some of my favourite walks across the Scottish Borders and how they connect with the stories told in the Tapestry itself. The Great Tapestry of Scotland is one of the country’s most remarkable works of storytelling, and it was a privilege to contribute to their series. You can read the original blog on their website here (it includes additional links, including more details of the walks and the tapestry panels featured)https://www.greattapestryofscotland.com/stories/walks-in-the-scottish-borders/ [https://www.greattapestryofscotland.com/stories/walks-in-the-scottish-borders/?utm_source=copilot.com] If you enjoy this episode, I’d encourage you to visit the Tapestry in Galashiels, it’s a place where Scotland’s story comes alive all in one colourful room!

Reflections from The Borders

This short episode is something a little different. Each month I send an email to my subscribers and for the first time, I’m sharing an audio version :) In this edition I look back at May and talk about recent reflections on my business, Galashiels BID, Peebles Guided Walks, the closure of Haus & Co in Innerleithen and the pride of Hawick Common Riding. It’s a more reflective piece than usual shaped by observations and small details I pick up while travelling across the region. If you enjoy hearing these thoughts in audio form, let me know as I may make it a monthly feature :) Read the written version and explore blogs, podcasts, events and tours at tweedvalleyblogger.com [https://tweedvalleyblogger.com/] Subscribe to the monthly reflections email for early access [https://tweedvalleyblogger.com/newsletter-sign-up] Tickets for Peebles 900 Years in 90 Minutes Walks [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/tweed-valley-blogger-83418590033]

Peebles - 900 years in 90 minutes

This short episode sets the scene for my summer walking tours in Peebles - 900 years in 90 minutes. We begin with the sound of the town itself the quarter bells and the ten strikes of 10am, transporting you to this great town by the River Tweed... If you’d like to join me on a tour, you’ll find booking links below. Eventbrite [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/tweed-valley-blogger-83418590033] My website [https://tweedvalleyblogger.com/events]

Catching Up: SSDA Conference 2026 and a positive look at our visitor economy

I’m back on the mic as the tour guiding season kicks into life. In this episode, I share the key insights I took from the recent SSDA (South of Scotland Destination Alliance) Conference — and why they’ve left me feeling optimistic about the future of the visitor economy in the Scottish Borders. There’s a real energy building behind tourism here. You could feel it in the room at the conference, and it’s echoed in the conversations I’ve been having across the region over the past few weeks. In this episode I dig into what’s shifting, why I think it matters to everyone and why the Borders should feel confident and excited about the road ahead My SSDA Conference Presentation [https://www.ssdalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SSDA-Conference-2026-Actionable-Tips.pdf] Catriona McAllister (Live Borders) SSDA Presentation [https://www.ssdalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Live-Borders.pdf] Stuart Holmes (Historic Environment Scotland) SSDA Presentation [https://www.ssdalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HES-Presentation.pdf] Raj Singh-Dehal (Center Parcs) SSDA Presentation [https://www.ssdalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Center-Parcs-Presentation.pdf]