Poems, Scots and English

A compact yet lively anthology brings together verses written in both the Scots tongue of the Lowlands and standard English, offering a snapshot of a poet’s world in the early twentieth century. The collection moves from witty, down‑to‑earth sketches of rural life to more solemn meditations, all voiced with a confidence that comes from speaking the language as naturally as breathing.

Among the poems is a heartfelt dedication to the poet’s brother, a lieutenant who fell at Arras, which sets a personal, wartime reverberation throughout the book. From lively tavern scenes and farmyard banter to reflective pieces on faith, history and the sea, the work captures the contradictions of a generation caught between tradition and the upheaval of modern conflict.

The author himself acknowledges the challenge of writing in Scots, yet embraces its quirks, allowing the verses to feel both authentic and approachable. Listeners will find a rich tapestry of humor, nostalgia and quiet awe, all framed by a voice that celebrates the everyday while hinting at deeper, universal concerns.