Voices from the Scottish Borders are to play a central part in a new exhibition about the life and legacy of Sir Walter Scott.
Housed in the new Abbotsford Visitor Centre, which opens on Monday, the exhibition features Borderers reciting lines from Scott’s collection of historical and romantic ballads, The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders.
Melrose Primary and Galashiels Academy pupils and members of Borders Youth Theatre and Galashiels Operatic Society were involved in the recitals. Sir Walter spent much of his childhood at his grandparents’ farm near Smailholm and its scenery, songs and history inspired a life-long passion for the area and had a huge influence on his development as a writer.
In addition to the Border Ballads audio presentation, the exhibition will also include objects, books and works of art, many of which will be on display for the first time.
Sir Walter’s Abbotsford house is being refurbished and will reopen in 2013.