A crowd of around 100 gathered for the recent opening of the James Hogg Exhibition in its new home in the mothballed Ettrick Primary School.
The exhibition was reopened earlier this month in its new home, which is located just next to the famous writer’s birthplace and the churchyard where Hogg, known as The Ettrick Shepherd, is buried.
The exhibition, which belongs to the Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust, is now open to the public every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday until the end of September.
The opening itself was scheduled to be performed by a mystery guest, who turned out to be none other than ‘Hogg’ himself, albeit played by actor Donald Douglas.
The 100-strong crowd which had gathered for the opening, was also addressed by Judy Steel on behalf of the Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust. She spoke on the history of the exhibition and brought a message from Scottish author and Inspector Rebus creator, Ian Rankin, one of the current crop of contemporary Scottish writers greatly influenced by Hogg.
Also in attendance was local Scottish Borders councillor Vicky Davidson, who spoke about the forthcoming James Hogg creative residency at the school and thanked all those who had made this possible.
Among those present was the veteran artist Anne Carrick, creator of the costumed figures illustrating aspects of Hogg’s life and work.
Guests were later treated to refreshments at the Boston Hall, along with entertainment from Angus Reed and Henry Douglas.