In celebration of the refurbishment of Strathnaver Museum, bard Irene Ross compossed the following which was read out at the launch of the refurbished museum on 13 May 2023.
Strathnaver Museum Ode
13 May 2023
We see this ancient building which looked a bit decrepit
Has had a great make-over our praise it isn’t tepid
So thanks to all the funders who had to foot the bill
To make this old Museum the pride of Bettyhill
O’Briens got the contract and really pulled their weight
They always went the extra mile their input was so great
With Cathel at the helm there, he would not give an inch
(We’ll have to get a bust of him sitting on a plinth)
Now long ago some ‘bodachs’ they gathered one or two
To talk about Columba’s Church and see what they could do
Robert, Joseph, Heccy, J K along from Crask
And Belzie who suggested Mrs Tot they had to ask
And Dr Ian Grimble a very learned gent
Was happy to assist them and many hours they spent
Discussing all the ways and means, they talked of this and that
And finally they had the help of Elliot and Pat
Pat who did the admin had such a lot to do
With a really ancient typewriter which lost a key or two
The office then was not equipped she hadn’t got a printer
She felt it cold in summer and was frozen in the winter
Elliot knew a lot about the ancient brochs and cairns
And many stories (some are tall) delighted all the bairns
He liked to tell the visitors of deserted habitation
And Achanlochy, Skelpick was a favourite location
Of all the items we amassed the favourite we know
Was the story of the clearances which happened long ago
Emily and her pupils made a mural for the wall
And for many years it hung there, all the punters to enthrall
James Allen stepped into the breach when Pat had things to do
For many years he took the lead his duties were not few
He was a real gentleman and was cautious and canny
And if he had a problem he would sort it out with Nannie
Many people came to help we really couldn’t fail
Marlyn did a lot of work to boost Strathnaver Trail
Rachel, Ronnie, ‘Will the film’, Mike Roper all of these
And Robbie Strathy we all know will do your Family Trees
Tommy is the Chairman now I know he will remember
When we were left to run the place and one day in September
We got a bill £500 pounds for books we got in error
The threat was clear send money here – we really were in terror
So T got on the phone that day and gave his explanation
Sorry we made a mistake – it was a great oration
He spoke so slow as is his wont, a long long time it took
They lost the plot or fell asleep and let us off the hook
And Frances who one day went wild, let out a fearful volley
And we all stared in wonder she’s usually so jolly
So Jeannie made a swear box with a bonny tartan trim
And before the week was over Frances filled it to the brim
We went to every Gala float where Turkey was our queen
With silken wig of golden hue and gown of emerald green
He got a great big welcome, like a vision he appeared
But he caused consternation when they saw his silver beard
We also had some open days because the Clan Mackay
Are as numerous as midges and they aren’t very shy
And on Mackays Go Global Day we really had a ball
They gathered from around the world ‘twas tartan wall to wall
When you look upon the pulpit you can see in your mind’s eye
A very ancient reverend with hands upraised on high
Exhorting congregations to repent and change their ways
Or they will end up down below in the middle of the blaze
But now it’s time to look around and see the changes wrought
And thank the many willing hands who have done such a lot
I cannot think of any more my head is in a spin
Thinking of Cathel on his plinth with a very evil grin!
Irene Ross
Bard of Strathnaver Museum
Remembering the original Trustees and Phyllis, Margaret Crask and Meg Macdonald, who did so much and are not forgotten.