The Scarlet Gown: Being Verses by a St. Andrews Man

A gentle voice invites listeners into the quiet streets of a coastal university town, where the scarlet gowns of scholars drift like mist over the sea‑kissed cliffs. The poet, a native of St. Andrews, offers reverent snapshots of campus life, council meetings, and the rhythmic hush that settles over the town between the occasional rectorial election. His verses blend wistful nostalgia with a subtle humour, turning everyday moments into small, vivid tableaux.

The collection moves from playful musings on pipes and a crushed hat to more expansive reflections on classical myths, seasonal change, and the pressures of academic exams. Each poem is crafted in a lyrical, almost conversational cadence that captures both the charm of the historic setting and the inner world of its students. Listeners will find a tapestry of images—crashing surf, winter air, and the soft rustle of gowns—that together paint a portrait of a place both tranquil and alive with quiet ambition.