“An Old World Landlady” is the name of the first chapter of Scott’s novel ST RONAN’S WELL, and it introduces the character of Meg Dods the innkeeper.

“The kitchen was her pride and glory; she looked to the dressing of every dish herself, and there were some with which she suffered no-one to interfere. Such were the cock-a-leeky, and the savoury minced collops……”


ST. RONAN’S WELL was published in 1823, and such was the success of the figure of Meg Dods that three years later one of the earliest Scottish cookery books was published under the name “Meg Dods' Cookbook.”

So when Scott’s Selkirk committee decided to start a “soup and Stovies kitchen” as an eating place for this year’s event, who better to call it after than the legendary landlady of his own creation?

You’ll find it at the Hermitage, next to the statue of Scott’s friend Mungo Park; and as well as food there’ll be traditional music and song by some of the Borders' finest present day minstrels.

Meg Dods’ Soup and Stovies kitchen is being masterminded by Eleanor McCuddden, and all profits from it will go towards next year’s event.

© Copyright 2003 by Scotts Selkirk

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