Chuckies fir the Cairn — An anthology of poetry in Scots by 12 local writers

Jan 23 2009 by Sara Bain, Dumfries Standard Friday

A CAPACITY audience at the Robert Burns Centre saw nearly a full complement of “makars” on stage performing their poetry as part of the national launch of a new anthology of Scots poetry on Tuesday night.

Nearly a year ago, Edinburgh publisher Luath in conjunction with Dumfries and Galloway Arts Association and the Scottish Arts Council commissioned the Burns Fellow Rab Wilson to compile an anthology of the best of Scots poetry from the Dumfries and Galloway region.

He chose twelve of the region’s poets to contribute to the anthology, namely Liz Niven, Doug Curran, David Douglas, John Burns, Josie Neill, Hugh Bryden, John Mason, Derek Ross, Betty Tindall, William Neil and Angus McMillan.

“Ah wantit tae create a buik o poems that was a delicht,” said Rab, “enjoyable, accessible an a pleasuir fir fowk tae read.

“The makars in this buik dinnae jist write in the leid –they leeve it! Tae hear them read is tae hear a souch o Scotland that is in vera much danger o passin awa.”

The enthusiastic response from the audience on Tuesday night showed that Rab had more than achieved his aims and gone some way to alleviating his concerns.

Alan Riach the professor of Scots Literature at Glasgow University spoke on the anthology’s relevance to language issues today and its demonstration of the capabilities of the Scots language to move, to provoke and to enchant people.

Backed by the woodcut illustrations of Hugh Bryden, the makars then proceeded to make Alan’s points, performing two poems each to an appreciative crowd.

The second half started with a brief appreciation of the work of William Neill, unable to attend due to ill health, but his wife Doris and daughter Allison heard Alan and Josie Neill read Wullie’s poems — once again showing why he is considered not just one of Galloway’s but one of Scotland’s finest poets

The evening ended in a mass book signing, some 30 people in the audience taking the opportunity to get their personal copies signed by all of the makars.

Everybody who attended commented what an enjoyable evening this was — a real celebration.

Dumfries and Galloway literature development officer Davie Kelly, and one of the book’s contributing authors, said: “Fowk turned out and the audience responded to the makars, showing that, in the true spirit of Burns, there is something for everyone in this book.

“From the acutely observed commonplace, to the pawky one-liner. From biting satire, to translation of wonderful world poets, to the tenderest lyrics.”

The book will be distributed to every school and library within the region and Davie added: “This is real poetry by the people for the people.

“I’d like to see a copy in every pub, restaurant and meeting space throughout the land.

“People could take a pie, a pint and a poem. They’d be sure to find something to put a smile on their face, warm their heart or make them pause for thought .”

There’s still a chance to hear the poets perform their work throughout the region.

So far dates have been booked for Kirkconnel on February 6; Annan, The Bruce, on February 13; the Swallow Theatre in Sorbie on February 13; and the Globe Inn, Dumfries, on March 21.

The book is on sale at all good bookshops throughout the region or direct from Dumfries and Galloway Arts Association.

JA