James Hogg, The Ettrick Shepherd, was a poet and essayist in the early 19th century.

He taught himself to read and write and was admired and respected by Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and others of the Edinburgh cultural scene.

These views are of his monument beside the A803, north of Moffat in the Scottish Borders.

The road can be seen in this photo and there's ample parking nearby as well as food, drink and toilets available at the Glen Café 120 yards to the left of these photos.

Click here to see the café.

Across the road and shown below is an image of Tibbie Shiels Inn, in the 19th century a popular spot for Edinburgh folk to pass a drunken weekend and a meeting place for poets and artists. It has a colourful history.

A close-up of the statue and the main inscription.

To help search engines - James Hogg, The Ettrick Shepherd, born 1770, died 1835.

Tibbie Shiels Inn, now a camping site right next to St Mary's Loch Sailing Club.

The Southern Upland Way is on the right.