This is the story of a part of Scotland that has played a huge role in the nation's history for thousands of years. The hunter-gatherers, who first discovered the bounty of the ancient Wildwood, the Celtic warlords, the Romans, the Northumbrians and the Reivers, who dominated the Anglo-Scottish borderlands for more than three centuries, have all had their part to play in the constantly evolving life of the area.

It is the people of a place who make its history. Alistair Moffat's acclaimed book is a testament to those who have made the Borders their home and who have created the traditions, myths and romance that define it so strongly.