For Alex: A Lad o Pairts
In Memory of Alex Salmond (1954–2024) — One of Scotland’s True Sons
“This is for Alex Salmond — one of Scotland’s TRUE sons.”
— Trevor Swistchew
He walked his ain road, saft o voice
wi kindness in his een,
aye ready wi a guid‑willed word for folk he met yestreen.
He held his country close at heart, nae boast, nae loud display,
just quiet faith that Scotland’s folk wad find their ain true way.
And when his journey reached its end, far frae the place he lo’ed,
Scotland felt a tender hush and kept him in its thocht.
A lad o pairts, a guid kind man, aye mindit, aye respeckit.
Whae luved all folk around the world
an honours ne'er collecktit.
Scots Vernacular & Contextual Notes
- A Lad o Pairts
- A revered Scottish expression for a person of talent, intellect, and capability arising from ordinary folk who achieves greatness while keeping faith with everyday people.
- Ain • Saft • Een • Yestreen
- Ain (own), saft (soft, gentle), een (eyes), yestreen (yesterday, or travelers met along the prior path).
- Far frae the place he lo’ed
- Alex Salmond passed away suddenly abroad in Ohrid, North Macedonia in October 2024, prompting widespread mourning and a hushed silence across Scotland.
- An honours ne’er collecktit
- On strict democratic principle, Salmond consistently rejected Westminster peerages, titles, and appointments to the unelected House of Lords.
The Shady River Bard Creative Ecosystem
Trevor Swistchew's poetry and philosophical essays are published in fellowship with The Shady River Bard—exploring a 26-album concept discography, working permaculture, and reflections on human purpose.