Writer John Mackay Wilson (1804-35), who was born and lived in Tweedmouth, returned to his hometown to take up the role of Editor to The Berwick Advertiser in 1832. Two years later, he started publication of his Tales of the Borders, which became international bestsellers for the best part of 120 years. Sadly, Wilson died before seeing the full fruits of his success, but a memorial tomb to him still stands in Tweedmouth Parish Church.
The Wilsons Tales Project has launched an engaging new walking trail around Berwick and Tweedmouth. The route connects various viewpoints and places of interest connected with Wilson, including the site of his home, his workplace and funerary monument, as well as features and landmarks within the Berwick area that may have inspired some of his historic Tales.
The trail includes: the story of Patrick Hume who hoodwinked the Governor of Berwick to secure the Mayor’s daughter, Isabella, as his bride; Grizzy Cochrane, who dressed as a man to hold up the Royal Mail and intercept her father’s death warrant on Tweedmouth Moor; and the adventures of Lancelot Errington, who seized Lindisfarne Castle in the 1715 Jacobite rising (and disguised himself as a fisherwoman to secure his escape!)
Pick up a self-guided Walking with Wilson trail leaflet, beautifully illustrated by Ali Edwards, at Berwick Library, Berwick Visitor Centre and other local outlets. A digital version will be available in May 2026. See www.wilsonstales.co.uk/walk-with-wilson.
