George McWilliam centenary!

Today is the 26^th May 2013, the 100^th anniversary of the birth of my father George McWilliam. He was just 70 when he died in 1983, but he managed to live life to the full until his sudden end. He is still remembered fondly by those who knew him, whether as family members or as friends.

Here is a poem that sums up their feelings well, composed back in 1983 by Mary Affleck of Kinross, who knew him through his love of singing the bothy ballads of north-east Scotland – and written in a language which only those from that part of the world will fully understand.

Tribute to George McWilliam

Oh George, ye are nae langer here

The reaper spread his scycle wide

Ye fell, we grieve wi’ mony a tear

Na mair at oor side.

Oh Lord, doon here we’re in na doubt

Regards his final place o’ rest

But why sa sudden a clout

Ta ane sae blessed.

We ken yer choir was maybe dwindling

We ken yer there tae brak oor fa’

But why oh Lord gie us na warning

Sa quick a ca’.

Had a’ yer angels got the hoast

Had a’ yer harps gean oot o’ tune

Ye cast yer eye, an then we lost

Oor coothie loon.

But Lord, noo that ye have him there

An’ life’s game geas ta your plan

O’ oor dear friend tak greatest care,

Enquiries ‘ll come alang

Oh George, na mare ta hear yer sang

Or see yer bonnie cheery face

Yer liltin diddle an’ yer northern twang.

Nane can tak yer place!

Written by Mary R. Affleck (Kinross), 1983

And the photo is of him on the boat coming in to Lerwick. It's the one we used on the CD of his music that we produced a few years ago, and I think it is a good representation of his sense of fun and of enjoyment of life. 

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