Romances of the old town of Edinburgh

"Romances of the Old Town of Edinburgh" by Alexander Leighton is a collection of historical tales written in the late 19th century. The stories explore various legends and romanticized accounts from Edinburgh's past, weaving together themes of love, loss, and mystery. The author’s engaging narrative style brings to life the richness of Edinburgh’s history and folklore, providing readers with an immersive glimpse into its old-town charm. The opening of the collection begins with "The Story of the Two Red Slippers," where the tale unfolds around a couple, Annie Yellowlees and her suitor John Menelaws, during the time of Prince Charlie's occupation. Their budding romance takes a twist with the introduction of Richard Templeton, a royalist in hiding who seeks refuge in Annie's home. As Annie navigates her feelings amidst the political turmoil and the presence of her father’s counsel, the plot thickens with the mysterious disappearance of Templeton, leading to a discovery that dramatically alters Annie's future. The blending of personal and historical stakes sets the tone for the imaginative and nostalgic stories to follow in the collection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Alexander Leighton (1800–1874) was a Scottish writer, known as the editor of Tales of the Borders.