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Scots poems for bairns

We invited James Robertson and Sheena Blackhall, two of Scotland’s leading proponents of Scots language, to select and share their favourite children’s poems that they think young people and teachers would enjoy as much as they do.

Both James and Sheena were interviewed by broadcaster Ally Heather; James from his back garden in Fife and Sheena at Dundee Contemporary Arts. Social-distancing best practice was observed by all those involved in the production of the films, recorded in the late summer of 2020. The films were generously supported by the estate of Bette Boyd.

Sheena Blackhall and James Robertson read children’s poems

A white puppy

A Dug, A Dug by Billy Key

Read by Sheena Blackhall
Watch here

Mrs Nae Offence by Gregor Steele

Read by James Robertson
Watch here

Answermachine by W.N. Herbert

Read by Sheena Blackhall
Watch here

Sarah, Fed Up by Janet Paisley

Read by James Robertson
Watch here

The Veggie Olympics by Les Wheeler

Read by Sheena Blackhall
Watch here

The Gowk by William Soutar

Read by James Robertson
Watch here

Up in the Morning Early by Robert Burns

Sung by Sheena Blackhall
Watch here

Listen Tae the Teacher - Nancy Nicolson

Read by James Robertson
Watch here

The Twa Corbies (Anon.)

Read by James Robertson
Watch here
painting of a loch at sunrise with a castle on a hill

Scots poems for children

A list of poems in Scots for children on the SPL website
Read on

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Scottish Poetry Library
5 Crichton's Close, Canongate
Edinburgh EH8 8DT
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© Scottish Poetry Library 2026.
The Scottish Poetry Library is a registered charity (No. SCO23311).
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