Article on the Grave of James Hogg in The Sunday Times.

For those readers interested in the current state of the grave of James Hogg, you may want to read the new article in The Sunday Times: "James Hogg's Grave Left 'Desecrated' by Safety Rules" (if you have access to the paper). 

If you would like to contribute to the appeal to restore the headstone of James Hogg and other headstones in Ettrick Kirkyard, you can make a donation through the James Hogg Exhibition bank account with the Bank of Scotland. The name of the account is 'Friends of Ettrick School', the sort Code is 80-18-66 and the account number is 06001256. Or you can contact Vicky Davidson, the Coordinator of the Ettrick and Yarrow Community Development Company at vicky@ettrickandyarrow.org.uk.  

Any sum, however, small, would be incredibly helpful. 

James and Margaret Hogg’s Gravestones

As the Blog post on 5 July 2020 reported, James Hogg's gravestone in Ettrick Kirkyard is currently laid flat along with nearly fifty others, because of health and safety concerns. It is estimated that £20,000 is needed to restore the Kirkyard to the state it needs to be in. If you would like to contribute to the Kirkyard restoration, you’ll find details below.

 

In the meantime, there is good news about the headstone in Warriston Cemetery, Edinburgh that commemorates Hogg’s widow Margaret and two of the couple’s children. Like her husband’s, Margaret’s headstone had been laid flat. Thanks to a contribution from the James Hogg Society, it has now been restored to its original position, despite the pandemic and some terrible weather.

 

As the Before and After photos show, it now stands ready to withstand the ravages of time for the foreseeable future.

Before

After

 

If you would like to contribute to the appeal to restore the headstone of James Hogg and other headstones in Ettrick Kirkyard, you can make a donation through the James Hogg Exhibition bank account with the Bank of Scotland. The name of the account is ‘Friends of Ettrick School’, the sort Code is 80-18-66 and the account number is 06001256. Or you can contact Vicky Davidson, the Coordinator of the Ettrick and Yarrow Community Development Company at vicky@ettrickandyarrow.org.uk

Any sum, however small, would be incredibly helpful, as a belated celebration of Hogg’s 250^th anniversary year.

--Robin MacLachlan

 

FREE EVENT: The Shepherd and the Shirra: James Hogg and Walter Scott at 250

As one literary anniversary closes, another begins. In an online event sponsored by the National Library of Scotland, award-winning writer James Robertson and cultural critic Valentina Bold are discussing James Hogg, ‘The Ettrick Shepherd’ (1770 – 1835), and Walter Scott, ‘The Great Unknown’ and ‘The Shirra’ (1771 - 1832). Original, innovative and skilled, they were almost exact contemporaries: Borderers at heart, but from very different backgrounds. This event explores the lives and works of these Scottish writers of international significance, and celebrates their distinctive legacies in poetry and prose, from The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner to the Waverley novels.

This free event is taking place on Thursday 11 February 2021 from 1700 to 1800 (UK time). Further details about registering for it can be found at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-shepherd-and-the-shirra-james-hogg-and-walter-scott-at-250-tickets-136304359007

--Robin MacLachlan

For those who missed the event, it can now be viewed on YouTube (hosted by the National Library of Scotland).