Strath of my Boyhood
tune – Island of Skye

My heart keeps returning where I spent younger days
To the Strath of my boyhood I’ll sing of its praise
The years have gone by affections remain
And yesterday’s memories my mind does contain.

The Strath in its beauty when viewed from outside
Did appreciate not when there did reside
From spring through to winter a sight to behold
The Strath in its glory did its beauties unfold.

On many occasions the Black bridge we did cross
Wild salmon we’d trace on their way into Ross
The deer herds in numbers did roam their domain
On high ground and low ground all types of terrain.

The gardens in grandeur can picture them yet
Fruit trees in abundance and veg. we did get
Lupins and roses to mention just two
An on grassy banks the bluebells so blue.

The beach and the oak trees stood ‘watch’ o’er the land
Strong and majestic respect did command
Throughout all the seasons displays they did show
As colour unfolded natures gift did bestow.

The law it decreed leave home I must do
Days spent in the valley were now numbered few
No more free to wander at will and at ease
Now holidays only myself I could please.

But those carefree days were to come to an end
The Strath we were leaving no more days to spend
A letter to me by my dear mother’s hand
To confirm we were leaving that ‘part’ of the land.

Well I remember the sad news that day
The words that I dreaded to me did convey
Not afforded the time to bid sad farewell
The future uncertain unable to tell.

Now to that bonny Strath return there I do
Revisit old haunts as we did hitherto
The place it has changed but yet somehow the same
To me very special it will always remain

Yes – to me very special it will always remain.