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Ode to Moffat?

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By Fiona Reid
Nostalgia
Ode to Moffat?

THIS poem by Sir William Allan MP appears on an old postcard of Moffat, so we wonder if it was written in praise of the upper Annandale town?

“The Bonnie Wee Toon owre the Border”

Sweet spot, whaur peace and beauty reign,

I leave thee sadly aince again,

Our pairtin’ brings my bosom pain –

Thou bonnie wee toon owre the Border.

Thy hills an’ dells an’ wuds are dear.

O’ love thy streams sing sweetly clear,

Thy canty fouk aye gi’e me cheer-

My bonnie wee toon owre the Border.

Aft when life seemed no’ worth a preen,

An’ dowie ilka wardly scene,

A day o’ three made a’ serene –

Thou bonnie wee toon owre the Border.

I’ve found in three a balm for care,

I couldna, couldna find elsewhere,

Thou art Auld Scotland’s jewel rare!

My bonnie wee toon owre the Border.

The years may come! The years may gang.

But Memory’s stream will flow alang,

To thee, while I can sing a sang –

Thou bonnie wee toon owre the Border.