James Hogg: The shepherd who helped to shape Scottish fiction

A special celebration is being held to mark the 250th anniversary of James Hogg's birth in the Scottish Borders. The "big party" - being held online - will look at why the writer, known as the Ettrick Shepherd, remains relevant and influential to this day. Dr Valentina Bold, co-organiser of the event, said it was a chance to "celebrate and talk about Hogg and his influence". But why is he seen as such a significant literary figure? Who was James Hogg? Born in Ettrick in 1770, Hogg spent most of his youth and early manhood as a shepherd and was almost entirely self-educated. His talent was discovered early by Sir Walter Scott, to whom he supplied material for...