Tune-“Ettrick Banks“ ‘Twas even-the dewy fields were green, On every blade the pearls hang; The zephyr wanton’d round the bean, And bore its fragrant sweets alang: In ev’ry glen the …

Long life, my Lord, an’ health be yours, Unskaithed by hunger’d Highland boors; Lord grant me nae duddie, desperate beggar, Wi’ dirk, claymore, and rusty trigger, May twin auld Scotland …

O ye wha are sae guid yoursel’, Sae pious and sae holy, Ye’ve nought to do but mark and tell Your neibours’ fauts and folly! Whase life is like a …

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Born in Kilmarnock, John Wilson, along with his brother Peter, founded the earliest Ayrshire newspaper, the Ayr Advertiser. They also operated as printers and publishers specialising in editions of the …

  Bard’s Oration 2013  “Nineteen Eighty-Four”     Some of you are here to see Bill Hill,  Give his Oration, laced with much mirth  And what have you got, instead of …

  Bard’s Oration 2012  “Referendum Day” (Tune, “The Wee Toon Clerk”)    This years big phenomenon, or so it seems tae me For it dominates the papers, the wireless and …

  Bard’s Oration 2011 “Blame the Bloody Trams”     This year has been a queer one, wi all its ups and downs Wi’ natural disasters, and folk wha act …

  Bard’s Oration 2009  “The Broons”    All O’ Scotland when they rise, stagger doon wi’ bleary eyes, and contemplate the bacon, eggs and toast. Tae the front door they …

  Bard’s Oration 2006  “Coming to Terms with Reality”    Another year has come and gone and Cronies, I’m still here. Tae bring the Bard’s oration, while you drink your …