HE lived in the Borders hundreds of years ago at a time when people believed in fairies.

One day, as he sat beneath the Eildon Tree near Melrose, Thomas of Ercildoune, heard the tinkling of silver bells and the sound of a horse’s hooves and the beautiful Queen of Elfland rode by on a white horse.

He fell under her spell and journeyed deep within the hollow Eildon Hills to the 'Fairy Otherworld’, there, he was given the gift of prophesy.

When he returned to the mortal world he found that he had certain gifts: he was unable to tell a lie and became known as 'True Thomas’; he could foresee the future and foretold the death of King Alexander III; some even say that Thomas became immortal and still lives gathering horses for the sleeping knights that rest deep within the hollow hills.

Thomas the Rhymer is one of the Borders’ favourite stories.

Nowadays people can walk up the Eildon Hills, near Melrose, where Thomas met the Fairy Queen, and visit Rhymer’s Glen. Sir Walter Scott once walked the same path with the famous painter – Turner - and he also collected Border ballads and tales of True Thomas.

Next week, a musical interpretation of the ancient ballad of Borders’ legend will be presented by Peebles Players at the town’s Eastgate Theatre.

Original songs and percussion are devised and played by this lively group, who show that disability is no bar to musical creativity. Come along, share the fun, join the singing and find yourself in Fairyland. The entertainment gets underway on Tuesday, May 27, at 2pm. Tickets are priced £5.