“To Roy Souter” Isles Burness 63

“The Home of the Maggie Law”

Words: Gourdon Primary School; Music: Dave Ramsay, Amended 10th May 2010

Chorus Oh Gourdon is the place tae be The men out fishing at the sea x2

Gourdon is our village, it fills oor hearts wi pride It really is a fine wee place, there’s naewhere else I’d bide, Walking by the harbourside, watching tides and breakers race, Wi’ the salty spray frae Gourdon bay blawin’ in my face.

Chorus

Rough waves they crashed against each face o’ Gourdon’s pier, People stood there troubled, and their eyes were filled wi’ fear, Oh we really need a lifeboat, for the safety of our men, And a crew o’ six tae man her oars, penny in the pound we’ll spend.

Chorus

Jeems Mowatt took their orders, built the men their boat, A surfboat, that would brave the seas, a reliable lifeboat, Wi’ the finest gear for saving lives, the fastest they can be Bringing Gourdon men back tae the shore, safe then from the sea.

Chorus

The Emma Kathleen ‘n the Harvester, twa names that come tae mind, Frae Gourdon fleet in the early days, until the present time, Those early fishermen took their lines, frae the harbour sailed awa’ Safer, wi’ mair peace o’ mind, watched ower by the Maggie Law.

Chorus

Now she didnae fish, she had nae nets, but saved near forty men, Spare a thocht for her brave crews, battling wind and rain, As she helped the Gourdon fishermen, in those far off days gone by, Tae keep alive her memory, we’re all obliged tae try.

Chorus

Verse to be used in live concerts:

Noo the Gourdon fleet and fishing, it has sadly changed, Landings, net size, quotas, noo they’re all arranged, The lifeboats they’ve got better, new technology and a’ But their job today is jist the same, as the men o’ the Maggie Law