In the 1870s, Robert Coultart, a mill worker in Galashiels, made aniseed-flavoured toffee in his house and sold it around all the fairs and markets in the Borders. He played his whistle and made up his song to call the children to buy his sweets.

There are many old and new verses to the song. One of them says that Coultart wore a ‘big lum hat’, another that he carried a basket on his head.

But a man called John A Anderson, who saw Coultart, wrote: ‘He wore a tam a shanter, or was it a Balmoral bonnet? With a pheasant’s feather sticking straight up from a buckle above his ear. A shiny black bag slung over his shoulder held stock of the famous candy!’

For the full story of Robert Coultart and his candy, see the book 'Doh Ray Me, When Ah Wis Wee' (McVicar, 2007).

A ‘thriftie’ was a child’s money box.

From Traditional Scottish Songs and Music, Gallus Recordings.

'Coulter's Candy', performed by Katherine Campbell and Ewan McVicar From Traditional Scottish Songs and Music, Gallus Recordings.