We cannot claim Robert Burns as our own, but at least we can point out that Glenbervie was the anceestral homeland of Scotland’s National Poet. Four tombstones in the graveyard mark the burial-place, and record the names of his ancestors. His grandfather, Robert Burness, was farmer first at Kinmonth and then at Clochnahill, Dunnottar.

David Herd, described by Sir Walter Scott, as the editor of the first classical collection of Scottish Song, was born in the farm of Balmakelly, Marykirk. His chief work was the “Ancient and Modern Scottish Songs and Heroic Ballads,” the result of great industry on his part, and edited with judgment and care. Sir Walter continually acknowledges his great obligation to David Herd for the use of songs and ballads.

Lewis Grassic Gibbon, a writer whose early death curtailed a career of great promise, is also remembered in Arbuthnot churchyard. And while in this neighbourhood I might mention that another two famous writers, Dr Johnson and James Boswell, visited Lord Monboddo at his mansion house near Auchinblae, a meeting described by Bozzy in his happiest manner.

But, in the Tayside area, we have never lacked for writers, singers or musicians. I think of Alexander Ross, the old-time schoolmaster of Lochlee, whose poetic works are in themselves a treasure house of folk-lore.

There was that great scholar, storyteller and poet, Andrew Lang, who loved St. Andrews and the coast of Fife. There was Barrie, of “Thrums.” There was that man of nimble wit (and sometimes pathos) who wrote of Dundee: Four churches together and only one steeple

Is an emblem quite apt of the thrift of the people. Yes, Tom Hood. He was born in London, though his father belonged Errol. Tom stayed in Dundee for a time, and also at Tayport.

In more recent times we have had Violet Jacob and Marion Angus, their songs of our countryside and its people are still fresh in our memories. Violet Jacob’s “Tam i’ the Kirk” is a little masterpiece that often comes back to me.

And what can I say about William Soutar of Perth, his body chained by ill-health, his spirit freely roving the world around him? What a legacy of riches this Tayside poet has left to his countrymen, and the world of letters!

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