Last Years 1963–1970

Abstract 1963–1970. Willa’s study Living with Ballads is published in 1965. An idiosyncratic approach to the topic, it is generally well reviewed. Gavin’s career is as erratic as ever, and he is still trying to pass the exam to become a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music. Willa keeps in touch with old students from Newbattle days, glad to hear of the success of Archie Hind, Tom Scott, and George Mackay Brown. Motivated by Peter Butter’s book on Edwin, she undertakes to write a more personal account of her life with Edwin. It is a struggle, but Belonging is published to good reviews in 1968. Gavin’s marriage is in difficulties, but he and Dorothy reconcile and move to Edinburgh. Increasingly incapacitated by arthritis in her hips and hands, Willa now needs proper support. Her sojourns at a retirement home and then a nursing home are less than satisfactory, and promised care with a friend in St Andrews is a short-lived failure. Edwin’s niece gladly invites her to stay with her and her newly retired husband in Dunoon, and it is there, quite unexpectedly and peacefully, that Willa dies on 22 May 1970. Some of her obituaries recognize her work as a translator and author, and all recognize the creative and practical support she gave to her husband.