Veesitin Kirkton Gargunnock

Composed by ex-Gargunnock Dominie, John Henderson on 9th January, 2009

using the doric he learned from his father who was raised in Forfarshire in the early 1900s.

We gaed aince tae veesit Gargunnock

In aa o its froasts an its snaws;

We wert weel ees'd breeks wi waarm jaikets,

An woo'y scerfs happ'd roon oor maws.

We tee hid guid strang waukin beets oan,

Fair redd tae roam lang ower its braes -

Ay! in Kirkton Gargunnock, an the huls o Gargunnock,

We hud sae mony winnerfu days.

Efter we’d clamm'd up its side-rigs,

Chilpit an chitt'rin wur we,

We gaed doon the Manse Brae tae 'Molly’s',

Tae swally twa mugs o byled bree.

Thon chynge-hoose it brocht us sich easedom

Aa ligg'd roon its ingle-cheek there -

Midst douce wirds o banter an blether

Saff awa frae ull wedder -

Ay! the core an thur crackin' wis rare!

TRANSLATION INTO ENGLISH

[Does not rhyme!]

We went once to visit Gargunnock

In all of its frosts and its snows;

We wore well used trousers with warm jackets,

And woolly scarves wrapped round our mouths;

We also had good strong walking boots on,

Quite ready to roam long over its slopes;

Yes ! in Gargunnock Village, and the hills of Gargunnock,

We passed so many wonderful days.

After we'd climbed up its ridges,

Chilled and shivering were we,

We went down the Manse Brae to 'Molly's'

To swallow two mugs of boiled juice;

That public-house brought us such comfort

All reclined round its fireside there -

Midst quiet teasing and chatting

Safe away from bad weather -

Yes! The company and their gossiping was great.