Dundee beauty spot

“I studied the old Dundee beauty spot of Wills Braes for a talk I gave on the lands of Old Balgay (1590-1790),” says Keith Walker. “I studied the old sasines and old letters and documents which were available in the amazing collections in Dundee City Archives and, with the help of a 1750 map held in Edinburgh, I was able to recreate the old lands of Balgay.

“I found out many things that really surprised me.

“On the east end of today’s Botanic Garden there was a renowned east coast beauty spot. By 1760 it was known as Wills Braes (see picture on right). This was a favourite walk for Dundee people. Botanists, geologists, poets and writers wrote of its beauty and natural attributes.

“These included rock pools, crystal agates, aquatic life and the dens of trees and waterfalls, all contained within this headland with its paths of herbs and wild flowers.”