In the Tracks of Mortality: the Life & Times of Robert Paterson, Stonecutter, 1716-1801’. Ian Wilson.
The book concerns the life of the real-life individual on whom Sir Walter Scott based his character ‘Old Mortality’. Robert Paterson was born in Hawick and lived and worked in several different parts of Dumfries & Galloway during his long life, including Lochmaben, Thornhill and Balmaclellan (and being based for a while in and around Kirkcudbright). The book describes the development of Scott’s novel and the contribution made by the antiquarian Joseph Train, and contrasts what is known about Paterson with the popular image of the character Scott created.
It also deals with the history of the local settlements with which he had an involvement, his trade as a stonemason, the background of the Covenanters and his family, including his wife, Elizabeth, and his sons, John, Walter and Robert junior. Finally, the book relates the subsequent popularity of ‘Old Mortality’ during the 19th century and assesses the treatment of ‘Old Mortality’ by subsequent antiquarians and historians.
The book is illustrated with 8 pages of colour images and is fully referenced.
There is a feature on the book in the D&G What’s On website, which contains a little of his background, and which can be found at
IN THE TRACKS OF MORTALITY –SEARCHING FOR THE TRUTH BEHIND A DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY LEGEND
“In the Tracks of Mortality: the Life and Times of Robert Paterson, Stonecutter 1716-1801” (price £8.99 plus P&P) is not yet in bookshops but can be ordered directly from the author by emailing ibwilson@mypostoffice.co.uk or by ordering online at www.thespiritofplace.co.uk
Also Available at Barry Smarts in Castle Douglas