Wee Bessie

Betsy Whyte also known as Bessie, walked a different path from most children. She was born into a family of Scottish Travellers who, when the yellow came on the broom, took to the road. Bessie was happiest during the summer months. Winters were a dreary time for the little girl who yearned for the freedom of open spaces and to walk and play once more with Ricky, her pet collie dog, among the purple heather and sun-kissed meadow flowers.

With such a love of the Scottish countryside, it was no surprise to discover that when little Bessie grew up and had children of her own she would share those memories of happy summers with them. She wondered if the wider world would also like to read of her childhood; perhaps it would help people understand the Scottish Traveller way of life? Her first book became a best seller soon after publication as people clambered into bookshops to read of her magical life. “The Yellow on the Broom” became a classic and her second book “Red Rowans and Wild Honey,” was just as highly acclaimed.

Her great-grandson, David Pullar, had never known Bessie as he was a small child when she passed away. However, she left young David a precious legacy. To keep that legacy alive- and to celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday – he decided to create a book for children.