Alexander Leighton (1800–1874) was a Scottish writer and editor active during the nineteenth century. He is best known for his association with Tales of the Borders, a prominent literary project of his era. As the editor of this collection, Leighton played a key role in shaping and distributing regional stories, historical anecdotes, and folklore from the Scottish border country.
Leighton's work on Tales of the Borders remains his primary literary legacy. Through his editorial stewardship, he helped compile and preserve a diverse array of narratives that reflected the cultural heritage of Scotland. His efforts contributed to the broader nineteenth-century tradition of documenting regional folklore and local history, ensuring these stories reached a wider reading public.
