Scotland's official national day is St Andrew's Day, the feast day of Saint Andrew.In the bible it is Andrew who introduces his brother Peter to Jesus as the Messiah. As well as Scotland he is also the Patron Saint of the likes of Russia, Greece, the Ukraine, and Barbados.It is thought that the day was first celebrated over a thousand years ago in the reign of Malcolm III (1034-1093).In both Scotland and those many countries with connections to, or who have a sizable Scottish population in these more modern times, it is a welcome display of heritage, culture and the fine traits of Scottish hospitality with food, music and dance.St Andrews Day is also the start of the Scottish winter festivals and thence follow Hogmanay and Burns Night.In this volume we celebrate the very finest of classic Scottish poets. From Burns to Stevenson, from Anderson to Baillie. And celebrate we should.
The church building has been pivotal to man's spiritual and religious life for centuries.For many the interior of a church is literally their one to one with God. The interiors, whether soaring or simple, ornate or minimal, are built for communion, for worship.Outside and surrounding our many churches is the churchyard; the burial ground, the repository for faithful souls. An all-weather idyll of calm around where many a poet has sat and contemplated the surrounding world.The stone may be old, weathered and worn. The trees and grass overgrown and wind-blown but this is a sanctuary, a shelter from frenetic life. Moments here in reflective solitude make thought redemptive. This is unquestioning ground that makes no demands on those who seek to stop and wonder.Within this volume of glorious verse questions are asked, decisions are made. And whether of Faith or not this oasis of calm brings solitude, renewal and an awareness that Life can produce answers to the most pressing of problems.
