Best Scottish Poems 2019: Scots

This year we have introduced a new element to the Best Scottish Poems format with the addition of a Scots editor. Derek Ross agreed to edit this years Best Scottish Poems in Scots and was asked to choose two poems that showcased poetry written in the Scots language.

Derek Ross is a Gallovidian from Stranraer but has lived in Dumfries for many years. His work has appeared in many magazines and anthologies. His poems in Scots have been featured by The Scots Language Centre, The Scottish Poetry Library, Scots podcasts, The Stanza Poetry Map of Scotland and the Channel 4 program Haud Yer Tongue. He is also a keen photographer and has collaborated with the Gaelic poet Angus McMillan to produce exhibitions combining poetry and photography.

Ross said, ‘A wis delichted tae be asked tae the Scots leid editor fir BSP 2019. The Scots leid is no the property o academics, it is a leevin leid, it is oor leid, it defines wha we are.’