AN INNERLEITHEN historian has written his second book on the town – all to raise money for charity.

Ted McKie, who is a regular contributor to our Tweeddale’s History feature, has put together a sequel of his 2011 publication Cleikum Kist.
And all of the proceeds will be paid into Community Trust funds.

Cleikum Kist Volume 2, which is published by the Innerleithen Community Trust, was recently launched at Robert Smail’s Printing works.

It features a number of essays which cover a broad cross section of the town’s history from the traditional St Ronan’s Wells to Innerleithen’s connection with Jack the Ripper.

And it has received rave reviews from locals.

Stewart Wilson, a man well versed in Innerleithen’s history and traditions, told the Peeblesshire News: “Ted McKie’s first collection of historical essays, charmingly entitled Cleikum Kist, was published in 2011 and was an entertaining and enlightening trip into Innerleithen’s past. 

“Now, six years on, Volume Two has arrived and like all great sequels it is bigger, broader and bolder. 

“This is no dry history book, it is rich with McKie’s humour and easy wit and is a perfect coffee table read, giving the reader the ability to dip in and out of the 20 essays as they wish.

“Throughout McKie casts a humorous eye over his subject, and a sound, well researched grasp of history, ably demonstrating his experience as an archivist with Innerleithen Community Trust and as a volunteer at Robert Smail’s Printing Works with its outstanding archive.

“Some of the essays will be familiar to readers while many are shared here for the first time. 

“Particular praise must be given to the quality of the photographs throughout, many from McKie’s personal collection along with those from the outstanding Innerleithen Community archive.

“This book will appeal to anyone interested in Innerleithen, or local history in general. 

“The question for Ted now is does Cleikum Kist become a trilogy?”

Cleikum Kist Volume Two by Ted McKie is available now. Copies, which cost £10, are currently available from The Thrift Shop, Robert Smail’s Printing Works, The Framing Gallery and Last Century Books in Innerleithen, Whitie’s and Elmbank Printers in Peebles, and Caberston Café in Walkerburn.