Nearby on the summit of the pass once stood a wayside shrine, a welcome landmark for the weary traveller. This was Tweed's Cross which did not survive the Reformation of the Church in Scotland. It was here in 1306 that Sir James Douglas is said to have sworn fealty to Robert the Bruce who was on his way to be crowned at Scone.
This young man, subsequently the 'Good Sir James', became Bruce's right-hand man and was the only one of the leaders of the rising who had not earlier paid homage to the English King.
For the next few miles the Tweed passes through a wide glen which in summer time is pleasing to the eye, but in winter, when the wind is blowing and the snow is drifting, it is better to be by the fire-side.
© 1996 Douglas Gregor