Famous Scots from The Borders

James Hogg 1770 - 1835
James Hogg, known as the Ettrick Shepherd, was born at Ettrick Hall in the Borders. He left formal education after six months and at age seven began to work as a cowherd. In his mid-teens he taught himself to read and write and to play the fiddle. Throughout his life his mother had taught him the great oral tradition of the ballads and folklore of the Borders. His new found skills and the help of the family he was working for allowed him to extend his knowledge and he began writing poetry. At this time Sir Walter Scott became the sheriff of the Borders and was looking for a source of local ballads. The two men met and became great contemporaries and friends throughout their lives.

Jim Clark 1936 - 1968
Born in Chirnside, Berwickshire, Jim Clark became World Champion Racing Driver twice. Considered by many at the greatest Racing Driver of all time, he won 25 Grand Prix. There is a museum dedicated to him in Duns.

Sir Walter Scott 1771 - 1832
Born in Edinburgh, he began in the legal profession but became a phenomenally successful poet and novelist with romantic historical works such as "Waverly" and "Rob Roy". Scott was more responsible than anyone else for transforming the image of Scotland and for establishing many modern conceptions of Scottish history and character.

Thomas the Rhymer c.1210 - c.1290
Born and lived at Ercildoune (Earlston).  According to Sir Walter Scott's Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders, Thomas saw the Queen of the Fairies as she rode out over the Eildon Hills, was captivated by her and returned with her to her kingdom inside the hills. After seven years, he was allowed to return to earth and as a keepsake was given the gift of prophesy. Among his predictions were the death of Alexander III, the defeat of Flodden and the union of the crowns in 1603.   He was also one of Scotland's earliest poets.  There is sculpture, viewpoint & interpretation boards in his memory at Boglie Burn, near Melrose.   The ruins of his tower remain just south of Earlston.

Douglas Haig 1861-1928
Born in Edinburgh to an old Borders family, Douglas Haig was a soldier who rose through the ranks to become Commander in Chief of the British Army in 1915, and is remembered as a national hero for his defence at Mons and Ypres. He later became the First Earl Haig of Bemersyde and founded the Earl Haig Poppy Fund and Royal British Legion to care for those wounded and bereaved as a result of the First World War. His home of Bemersyde was presented to him by the nation.  A monument to Douglas Haig can be seen at Dryburgh Abbey where he is buried.

Sir Charles (Chay) Blyth 1940 -  
Born in Hawick on 14th May, 1940 and lived in the West End area of the town. At 18 he joined the British Army's Parachute Regiment, becoming a Sergeant at the age of 21.  In 1966 Sgt. Chay Blyth and Capt. John Ridegway rowed across the North Atlantic from Cape Cod to the Aran Islands, in a 20 ft. dory in 90 days, and Chay Blyth was awarded the British Empire Medal. In 1971 he became the first person to sail, single-handed, non-stop, around the world aboard the 59 ft. ketch British Steel. "The most outstanding passage ever made by one man alone" quoted the Times. In recognition of his achievement, he was made a Commander of The British Empire. In 1997 Chay was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen for his services to sailing.

Jimmie Guthrie 1897 - 1937 
"Hawick's Racing Legend" Jimmy was born on 23rd May 1897 and served his apprenticeship as an Engineer.  As a motorcycle racer, he achieved success after success, winning race after race and held many world records and European Championships. His last race was at Sachsenring where he died "upholding the honour of his country in the German Grand Prix" on 8th August 1937. The train to the German frontier carrying his body had a military escort. His funeral took place in Hawick and was attended by thousands - the cortege was 3 miles long.  At statue of Jimmie Guthrie was erected in 1939 at Wilton Lodge Park, Hawick, near to the Museum, where there is an exhibition commemorating his life.