A poem written by an Angus woman reflecting on the attributes of living in Arbroath is to be published in a new book.
Lorna Murray highlights smokies, the Abbey and Gayfield football ground in her Ode to Arbroath.
The poem, which will be printed in a collection entitled Home Is Where The Heart Is, pays tribute to the town’s heritage, mentioning weavers and fishermen as well as the Shanks lawnmower company.
Housewife Lorna, 54, describes her home town as the “best in a’ the land”.
She said: “The competition wanted people to write about their local area and it wasn’t hard to think of reasons I was proud to live in Arbroath. I thought about all the things that were going on in the town.
“I remembered about Shanks, which was a great lawnmower company, and the fact that Harry Lauder, Andy Stewart and the Minstrels all performed in Arbroath.”
Lorna, who was born in Dundee, moved to Arbirlot when she was three and then relocated to Arbroath in 1983.
Her poem also makes reference to the town’s golf club, its cliffs and “bonnie views”.
“I worked for DC Thomson on the Twinkle when I left school, but left in the mid-80s when my boys were born.
“Since then I’ve written down a few poems, but this is the first one I’ve ever presented,” the mum-of-two added.
“I was absolutely delighted to be selected for inclusion in the book.”
Julie Embury, publications director for United Press, said the competition attracted a high standard of entries.
She added: “Copies of the book will be kept at the British Library and other libraries across the UK.”Ode to ArbroathI’m proud to live in this wee toon, I’m proud to claim my ain. I’m very proud to say that Aberbrothock is my hame. I’m very proud Arbroath can boast of all things they do, The abbey made of sandstone, the cliffs with bonnie view. This town is very welcoming no matter where you roam. It’s grand to see the golf club and know you’re nearly home. The smokies, chips you surely ken the likes ye’ll never taste again. To Shanks who helped us cut the grass, we bow our heads and give our thanks. They make Arbroath the place tae be a fine, wee toon built by the sea. We’d weavers and the fishermen, the foundries working lang. We’d Lauder, Stewart, and the Minstrels too, who gave us all a sang. We’ve cricketers and athletes who make us really proud. We’ve fitba at oor Gayfield so let us shout out loud. Arbroath, I’d like to shake your hand. You’re just the best in a the land!