Welcome to the Poetry, Songs and Writers of Scotland
Scotland is steeped in history, traditions and culture, and the poems that stem from that culture are unique, both in language and style.
The purpose of this site is to bring to life the poetry of Scotland, both past and present, and to make it available to the world by raising its profile, while keeping the spirit of Scotland alive in verse.
Featured on this site are:
* Songs and Poems by Burns
* A selection of the ancient Scottish Ballads
* Examples of McGonagall's worst poems
* A list of Scottish Writers and their best-known works
* A selection of Traditional Scottish Songs
* Examples of modern poems and songs written by modern-day indigenous Scots and ex-patriot Scots
* Examples of modern poems and songs written by other modern-day writers from around the world
* A Scots Glossary to help with any Scots words used in the Poems of Burns and others
Who are the Scots?
Hugh MacDiarmid (Christopher Murray Grieve) (1892 - 1978) Poet, nationalist and socialist, best works include 'A drunk man looks at the thistle'.
This poem reflects on the proposal in October 2012 by the Scottish Government to reduce the alcohol driving limit, in an attempt to tackle the problem of drink driving in Scotland.
Another Day has Been Had
Breathless, we gasp at the loss of life.
While an expulsion of alcohol-measured breath,
for some, holds no fear - is no deterrent!
Will thirty milligrams less make a difference,
or will drivers have no care, that
eighty milligrams has had its day?
Expectant, we will watch that passing day, and
holding our collective breath, hope that
many will be saved to breathe again!
Welcome to the Poetry, Songs and Writers of Scotland