“The Fisherman’s Prayer” Dave Ramsay 66

In Praise of the Men and Women of Gourdon – Daily life in Gourdon

“Betsy Souter” (A Tribute to a noble Johnshaven/Gourdon fishwife)

Eileen Townsend, writer and historian, Johnshaven

For forty years she trod the Partan Roadie Frae the Haughs o’ Benholm ow’r the Garvock and into the Howe, Her auld bauchled shoon like herself Worn down wi’ age and long miles travelled, A heavy creel on a back now bent wi’ toil.

Gnarled hands worked the wool on her wires As she made her painful way Up the the path to the castle of Benholm. Just ‘the auld fishwife’ to those inside,

But more noble a soul than any lady Who ever lived within its ancient walls

Betsy Souter 1842 - 1915

“My Uncle Jock”

Alex Forsyth

Just a tribute to a grand old man, a man whom we hold dear, Who has reached the age of eight-five, this coronation year. He’s set an example to us all, a credit to our race, And if we had more like him, the world would be a better place. For all his life, let it be said, he always played the game, Throughout the years, good times or bad, he’s always been the same, And life was not always easy for old folks just like him, And at times down there in Gourdon, things were mighty grim. For many a bad luck story has my father told to me, Of the fight they had in times gone by, to wrest a living from the sea. Of the hardships and the poverty, and the struggle to survive, But he won through and I’m proud to say, today he’s eighty-five. He has no grand or fancy airs, no bluster or false pride, He’s been the family mainstay, a true and faithful guide. His step’s still brisk, his eye still keen, on his face a cheery grin, I only hope at eighty-five I’ll be the same as him. Just a humble, honest fisherman, with a heart of purest gold, Let’s thank him now for all he’s done, now that he is growing old. And who is this man with virtues rare, as steady as a rock. Why, he’s one of nature’s gentlemen, yes, that’s my uncle Jock

John (Jock) Fotheringham