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James Hogg was born into a poor family and he got only a basic education. Yet, such was his talents and perseverance that he taught himself to express himself in the written word. James was a shepherd to James Laidlaw, tenant of Blackhouse Farm and the family had connections with the great Sir Walter Scott. James worked hard to improve himself and discovered he had a talent for composing poetry. Many were the stories his mother had told him, handed down the generations, and these tales of the Border James put into verse. Soon, James could converse with Sir Walter on equal terms and they frequently met, enjoying each other's company. A favourite meeting place of theirs was the Tibbie Shiels Inn.
Hogg gained in fame and respect for his writings. |