Lost Sherlock Holmes story discovered

A long-lost Sherlock Holmes story has been rediscovered more than a hundred years after it was first published.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote the story, titled Sherlock Homes: Discovering the Border Burghs and, by deduction, the Brig Bazaar, in 1904 to raise money for a bridge in Selkirk, Scotland.

It was unearthed by town resident Walter Elliot, 80, who discovered it under a pile of books in his attic.

He believes it may have lain there for almost 50 years.

The 1,300-word tale was printed in a 48-page book of short stories, Book o' the Brig.

The two-and-a-half page story, titled 'Sherlock Homes: Discovering the Border Burghs and, by deduction, the Brig Bazaar', is about the sleuth and Watson's trip to the town.

It is believed the story - about Holmes deducing Watson is going on a trip to Selkirk - is the first unseen Holmes story by Doyle since the last was published over 80 years ago.

It was put together by locals to raise money to replace a bridge over the Ettrick river that had been destroyed by floods in 1902.

Conan Doyle, who was a regular visitor to the area, agreed to contribute a story.

Elliot, a retired woodcutter, found the pamphlet tied up with string while he was clearing out his attic. He says he cannot remember buying the book and thinks he must have got it from a friend.

At the time the author was seeking to become a Liberal Unionist MP in the Borders. The booklet will be going on show at the Cross Keys Pop-up Community Museum in Selkirk.