Susan,
I'll have to check out your very interesting Parsons info later on. You've got my attention now!

I totally agree with you re Scott but I know how defensive some people can be on Mudcat so I'm glad you said it first. I'm currently carrying out a study on all of Child's comments on the veracity of many of the ballads with particular emphasis on Peter Buchan, but I'm also taking note of all the other 'editors' as I go along. Personally and this is just my own opinion I think Child was very understated on the matter, but when you're publishing books that you want to sell in Scotland you've got to be rather reserved about what you criticise. I will be publishing online, and I won't be holding back!