Charles Spence (1779-1869) was a Scottish poet, stonemason and footman.
The Bard of Gowrie; the Poet of the Carse.Spence was born in the parish of Kinfauns, spent most of his life in Rait and died in Manchester.
Linn-ma-Gray I long to seeThy heathy heights and broomy lea;Whaur linnets lilt and leverets playAround the roar of Linn-Ma-Gray. Linn-ma-Gray when to the streetCrowds follow crowds, in crowds to meet,I wend my solitary way,An' climb the cliffs of Linn-ma-Gray.
Linn-ma-Gray, each mounting spring,From age to age doth tribute bring,And rushing onwards to the Tay,Augment the stream of Linn-ma-Gray.
Linn-ma-Gray round Baron hill, [Up the heights of Baron Hill,]I've aften gane wi' richt gude will, [I've led my Jean with right good will.]An' sat and seen the dashing spray [And sat, and seen the foamy spray]Lash the dark rocks of Linn-ma-Gray. [Lash the dark rocks of Linne Magray.]
Linn-ma-Gray, when in yon ha'The merry wassailers gather a'In vain their waeel trained bands essayThe minstrelsy of Linn-ma-Gray.
Another favourite Spence poem was entitled: 'My love's window'.
(Strachan was 48 years minister at Kilspindie & died in 1936).