James Thomson


1827 - 1888

Minor poet and songwriter. Born in Bowden, he became a wood-turner by trade. His songs The Border Queen and Up wi' the banner have been sung at every Hawick Common Riding since 1887. He is also known for another song The Star o' Robbie Burns, written for the 120th anniversary of that poet's birth. Other works include Hameless Laddie, Widow's Lament and Hawick Volunteers. He was a notable freemason and a founder of Hawick Burns Club in 1878. He died in Hawick Cottage Hospital and lies buried in Wellogate Cemetery. The local freemasons visit his grave annually in July. The James Thomson Bridge in Hawick is named in his honour and a statue lies between this bridge and the Burn Club.


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