O Aw the Airts

Programme Outline

Billy Kay, writer and broadcaster, introduces us to the voices of Scots speakers across the country. A brief outline is given of the history of Scots and foreign influences on the Scots language, including, for instance, Old English, French, Latin, Norse and Gaelic. We visit the north-east of Scotland and hear from Steve Murdoch. Matthew Fitt talks about using the Internet to let pupils communicate in Scots.

The dialect variations of Scots are named and Billy explains that he will travel all over the country to let us hear the voices. We hear ‘First Gemme’, a poem about football, from Derek Ross of Stranraer.

There is an interview with an American called Donald McDonald about the linguistic influence of migratory Scots in countries such as America.

A poem called ‘Scotland Oor Mither’ by Charles Murray is recited, and ‘Wild Geese’ by Violet Jacob is sung by Sheena Wellington.

The linguistic influence of migratory Scots in other countries, particularly America, is discussed.

The changing status of the language is referred to, as are the sometimes-controversial aspects surrounding this complex language in the twentieth century. The attitudes and experiences of various Scots speakers are heard and we are made aware of the difficulties surrounding the use of the language. Favourite words are presented throughout the programme by pupils and adults.