It was 1901 when young Harriet Randall moved into the Scottish Borders with her parents. Her father was a farm labourer, working for the landowners of a large estate. As a teenager she would often assist him, toiling in the fields. Maturing eventually into a buxom lass: she soon caught the attention of Cameron Forbes, son of a wealthy corn merchant.

Their association quickly developed into a firm relationship and the two announced their intentions to wed. Harriet’s father and mother apposed the match because she’d had no formal education and was ill fitted for the task ahead. Cameron’s parents were against the marriage because they’d hoped he’d marry a woman more suited to their own standing in the community. Having forked out handsomely for his private tuition they were reluctant to see their efforts wasted on nothing more than a comely village wench.

In the event the lover’s bond defied all opposition. They were married and called their new home Honeysuckle Cottage.

In keeping with its name, Harriet planted wild honeysuckle for its glorious scent.

During that first summer together they’d sit on a seat beneath the Lonicera, discussing plans for the future.

One day Cameron would inherit his father’s business. Until then they’d be perfectly happy to spend their lives together in this idyllic spot, gazing out towards the distant Cheviot Hills.

Then along came the First World War and like so many other young men, Cameron volunteered to fight. They’d pick up their new lives on his return from France.

Harriet waited for news that sadly never came and she lived her widowed life alone in the cottage. Friends remarked she would sit on the seat beneath the honeysuckle, gazing into the distance, wearing an enigmatic smile until her death as a grey haired old lady.

Many attempts have been made to grub up the honeysuckle over the years, but still it returns each year, stronger than ever.

As light starts to fade, on balmy summer evenings, with honeysuckle in full bloom and it’s fragrant perfume at its highest, visitors have occasionally caught a fleeting glimpse of the loving couple, sitting together once more, quietly planning for the future that never came