Charles Spence (bard)

Charles Spence (1779-1869) was a Scottish poet, stonemason and footman.
 * The Bard of Gowrie; the Poet of the Carse.

Spence was born in the parish of Kinfauns, spent most of his life in Rait and died in Manchester. Linn-ma-Gray I long to see Thy heathy heights and broomy lea; Whaur linnets lilt and leverets play Around the roar of Linn-Ma-Gray.

Linn-ma-Gray when to the street Crowds follow crowds, in crowds to meet, I wend my solitary way, An' climb the cliffs of Linn-ma-Gray.

Linn-ma-Gray, each mounting spring, From age to age doth tribute bring, And rushing onwards to the Tay, Augment the stream of Linn-ma-Gray.

Linn-ma-Gray round Baron hill, [Up the heights of Baron Hill,] I've aften gane wi' richt gude will, [I've led my Jean with right good will.] An' sat and seen the dashing spray [And sat, and seen the foamy spray] Lash the dark rocks of Linn-ma-Gray. [Lash the dark rocks of Linne Magray.]

Linn-ma-Gray, when in yon ha' The merry wassailers gather a' In vain their waeel trained bands essay The minstrelsy of Linn-ma-Gray.

Another favourite Spence poem was entitled: 'My love's window'.