Thomas the Rhymer brought back to life in Earlston

David Knox • Published 23 Mar 2010 14:00 0 Comments

A SMALL group of historians hope to put Earlston on the tourism map with the help of a 13th Century prophet.

Although Thomas the Rhymer's name has lived on in many ways in and around the town, many facts about the great man have been lost through time.

But a Friends of Thomas Group, which was formed two years ago, finally want to put the record straight. And they hope to attract a new generation of curious tourists as well.

The group have secured funding from the council's Community Grant Scheme to start their awareness raising mission by erecting new entrance signs and printing information leaflets.

They also hope to create a walk from the ruins of the Rhymer's Tower to the Rhymer's Stone beneath the Eildons, and also publish a book depicting the life of the prophet and poet.

Gwen Hardie from Friends of Thomas told the Border Telegraph: "We found that not many people who had come to live in Earlston knew anything about Thomas the Rhymer or his connections with us. Visitors to the area didn't know about Thomas either so we wanted to raise awareness. We want to promote Thomas in his own town."

As with many historical figures fact and fantasy surrounding Thomas the Rhymer are difficult to differentiate. But there is plenty of evidence to show that Thomas of Ercildoune was born and lived in the area towards the end of the 13th Century.

Connections with William Wallace have been made by historians and his work was celebrated by Sir Walter Scott some 500 years later in the Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border.

It's highly unlikely that Thomas went off to meet with the Queen of Elfland, as many fables would have it, and that he spent 40 days and 40 nights in the underworld.

But it is known that the Jacobites consulted his prophecies ahead of the 1715 and 1745 uprisings. And many of his historic predictions did come true - centuries after they were made.

Many clubs, organisations and businesses in Earlston continue to use the Rhymer name - and they have all backed the Friends of Thomas group with letters of support.

Mrs Hardie added: "He was a fascinating man who has inspired many famous people. There are a lot of myths surrounding Thomas but we hope to put all the factual information together and tell his full story. It is very much a community project."

Friends of Thomas will carry on fundraising by hosting coffee mornings and quiz nights over the coming months.

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