Just a thought for those of you that have left Scotland

The Scottish Emigrant's Farewell

Fareweel, fareweel, my native hame,

Thy lanely glens and heath-clad mountains!

Fareweel thy fields o' storied fame,

Thy leafy shaws and sparkling fountains.

Nae mair I'll climb the Pentlands steep,

Nor wander by the Esk's clear river;

I seek a hame far o'er the deep-

My native land, fareweel for ever!

Thou land wi' love and freedom crowned

In ilk wee cot and lordly dwelling

May manly-hearted youth be found,

And maids in every grace excelling.

The land where Bruce and Wallace wight

For freedom fought in days o' danger,

Ne'er crouched to proud usurping might,

But foremost stood, wrong's stern avenger.

Though far frae thee, my native shore,

And tossed on life's tempestuous ocean,

My heart-aye Scottish to the core-

Shall cling to thee wi' warm devotion.

And while the waving Heather grows,

And onward rows the winding river,

The toast be "Scotland's broomy knowes,

Her mountains, rocks, and glens forever!"

Alexander Hume (1811-1859)

Happy New Year
and
Best Wishes for 2010

From

Portgordon Village
Banffshire
Scotland