12 Days of Blogmas: Day Three - Books
When I was just a young laddie, around seven or eight years old, my granny asked me a question about something. I don't recall the details, but I like to imagine that it was probably about the capital city of Yugoslavia (it was the 1980s). I responded with the correct answer and she was suitably impressed. However, I quickly added, "But Granny, it doesn't count. I read it in a book." Back then, I seemed to believe that knowledge had to emerge fully formed from within your mind, and reading a book and memorising information was somehow cheating.
Fast forward 35 years, and I have never stopped reading. It has served me well in my job as a Tour Guide and in writing these blogs. Although much can be found on the internet today, I still rely on published, edited books as my primary source. To me, books are like magic and a trip to a bookshop one of life’s treats. So today, on Blogmas Day 3, I wanted to share with you a few books that hold a special place in my heart, both personally and professionally.
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Principal Excursions of the Innerleithen Alpine Club 1889 - 1894 (Various Authors, 1897)
This 1897 publication is never far from my desk. A key reference to anyone with an interest in Borders history, geology, mythology and just about anything in between. Although the writing style may be a bit flowery, the content is completely captivating. It serves as an inspiration for anyone interested in the region.
To the Islands of Tides (Alistair Moffat, 2019)
When it comes to documenting Scotland's past, and making it accessible, few do it better than Alistair Moffat. With a plethora of options to choose from (The Borders, Hidden Ways, War Paths, Secret History of Here, Celts and more), selecting just one is a challenge. However, this one book stands out for the way in which it weaves a human story into the author's pilgrimage to Lindesfarne and musings on Saint Cuthbert. What sets this book apart is the poignant depiction of a tragic family loss, elevating it beyond a mere travelogue or historical account. Meeting Alistair in 2023 and sharing how much this book resonated with me was undoubtedly a highlight of the year for me.
The Cleikum Kist Trilogy (Ted McKie, 2011 - 2021)
Ted's trilogy of books is an invaluable contribution to the preservation of Innerleithen's history. As a friend, I may be biased, but his writing stands out for its dry wit and unique perspective. Ted himself acknowledges the work of local giants such as John A. Anderson, Clement Gunn, William Chambers, and Buchan, but we shouldn't underestimate his own remarkable work. His collation of stories has saved important pieces of history that were in danger of being lost forever. I have copies of all three books for sale (never miss an opportunity for a plug), and my aim is to spread the word about Ted's work by sharing his stories, while adding my own spin, when I write blogs or lead tours in the local area. As Innerleithen continues to rapidly change, Ted's books will only increase in importance over time.
Walking the Border (Ian Crofton, 2014)
As a fan of books that explore the Scottish-English Border, I have read works by several authors, such as Eric Robson and Alasdair Allan MSP. Despite being around for a millennium, the Border continues to inspire authors, and this particular book explores this in great detail. Written with a touch of humour, the book delves into the people and geography that have moulded the Border. Additionally, the book features a personal angle, as the author Ian was present during the Flodden Day ride out in Coldstream back in 2013. This ride out commemorated the 500th anniversary of the battle, and it involved over 500 horses representing every Border town, except for Innerleithen due to its unique, non-equestrian status in the Borders festival circuit. I also had the pleasure of attending Flodden Day that year and witnessing Ian's impromptu interview with the Innerleithen Standard Bearer, which I thought little more of at the time. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a quote from that interview on page 188 a year later, where said Standard Bearer attempted to explain why Innerleithen has no ride out:
“I’m frae Innerleithen. We’re bad enough trying to walk, never mind ride”
The Steel Bonnets (George MacDonald Fraser, 1971)
This book is a lively and electrifying read that practically jumps off the shelf. It is widely regarded as the authoritative work on the Border Reivers, the lawless men who wreaked havoc on the Anglo-Scottish Border in the 16th century. Before MacDonald Fraser's masterpiece, this was a relatively unknown part of British history. I believe the author's sharp writing style brings it alive in a way that academic tomes can't. It charges along like an Armstrong on his pony across the mossy moorland. While there are other excellent Border Reiver books, (a nod here to the legendary John Sadler and his bloodthirsty book "The Hot Trod", which came out last year and is a spiritual successor to "The Steel Bonnets"), nothing can replace this definitive classic.
Five Little Pigs (Agatha Christie, 1942)
You may be surprised to find me discussing something outside of my area of expertise. In fact any Social Media coach reading this has probably just spat out their oat latte - never leave your niche! However, given the nature of Blogmas, I feel compelled to share my thoughts. When your hobby evolves into your profession as a tour guide, as has happened with me, it would be easy to spend all your reading time devouring Scottish history and mythology, blurring the lines between work and downtime. I personally find solace in novels, more often that not those by Agatha Christie. Although often labelled as "cosy crime," her writing is anything but, as she expertly manipulates reader's emotions and keeps them on edge. Five Little Pigs is an exceptional example of this, with rich characters, expert psychology and moments to make the flesh creep.
Collected Ghost Stories (M.R. James, various)
Again venturing outside my normal niche, I must mention the spine-tingling works of M.R. James. James, an Edwardian Cambridge Professor of Medieval History and later Provost of Eton, set his ghost stories in academic settings, the English countryside, and places he had researched. So we are not talking gritty, urban realism here. His tales often follow a familiar pattern, with hints of the supernatural slowly building to a startling, often slimy, conclusion. I first discovered James through the BBC's ‘Ghost Story for Christmas’ films of the 1970s (repeats, I might add). Every year since then, I make it a tradition to watch a few of these spooky tales. But it's his short stories that I return to most frequently. James wrote these stories to be performed for friends and students every Christmas Eve – each one short enough to be read in a single sitting. These tales will both delight and terrify you. If I had to choose a favourite, it would probably be ‘Count Magnus,’ but it's hard to pick just one from his many chilling stories.
I hope you enjoyed reading my bookish blog post and that the inclusion of M.R. James at least gave it a festive finale! Please feel free to share your own favourite Christmas reads by leaving a comment below or on social media. Happy reading!
Cover Photo Credit: @cjdante
