Saltcoats Shore – A Poem

Lather oan suncream, throw oan the summer claes.
Saltcoats beach is waitin, I’m away to catch some rays.
I’ll daunter past the harbour and remember years ago.
Goin doon to see the boats, wi’ my grannies brother Joe.
I puzzle at the sun dial, it’s an hour oot a think
Go by the crowd wi’ bevvy, their taps aff lookin pink
Young ‘yins oot there climbing boulders, but the tide is comin’ in
Was worried for the eejits but they’re nearing shore agin
Every generation does it, navigating Saltcoats sea
As pretty as oor waater is, be careful or you’ll dee
Roon the curve I’ll wander, past the auld bowling alley
I remember headin’ up the stairs for Karaoke and a swally
It’s the pictures and the softplay noo, and it’s quiet there the day
For everybody’s doon the beach on this fine sunny day.
New tenants in the boatin’ pond, swans floatin happily
I gaze out at the Warrior, sleeping in tranquillity
Every place the world oo’er has a view they cherish most
But there’s nowhere quite as precious as this view alang oor coast
My heart skips a little beat as I step on Saltcoats shore
Aye, it’s not 1960’s busy, but it means I love it more
There’s weans oot there collecting treasures, shells and creatures from the sand
Crowds dookin in the shallow, I pass by castles lookin’ grand
I listen to the whooshing waves and gulls flying overheid
A waft of Melbourne chippy has them hopeful for a feed
I settle doon and rest now, dig my taes in, let them toast
And I thank the world for this fine place, my Saltcoats by the coast.

• The Sleeping Warrior is the profile of the Isle of Arran, as it looks like a giant laying on his back. Its the view from Saltcoats beach.

I feel so grateful for living in Saltcoats. We have a beautiful uncrowded beach with the stunning view of the Isle of Arran on the horizon. I’ve written this is in local Scottish tongue.