Galashiels, Scotland

  • Galashiels is the first station Gemma arrives at on her journey north to Blackbird Hall. She first notices the sullen, grey houses, and meditates on her past life so far, even as she moves forward. Livesey writes, "Beyond Galashiels the countryside grew desolate, populated only by scruffy sheep and dark twisted trees. I thought of Ross's story of running away, and sleeping in a sheepfold" (Livesey 147).