Book produced in tribute to village writer

UNIQUE observations of Angus life have been published in a new book capturing one man’s view of his local community.

My Kinda’ Folk is a collection of pieces written by the late David Monteith from Tannadice, north of Forfar. It has been produced by Kirriemuir Landward East Community Council.

Community council chairman Ivan Laird said: “David was originally from Perthshire but had lived in the village for a number of years.

“He was a great lad for writing poetry around his take on local life and the people in the area.

“I was at a 90th birthday party where one of his poems was read out, and I thought it was a great piece of work.

“David was a bit of a character himself, but he always managed to capture the subject he was writing about.”

Mr Monteith died some years ago, but the lockdown situation brought his poetry back to mind and the book idea was formed.

“We haven’t had a community council meeting since March, although we have very much kept in touch,” added Mr Laird.

“Having learned there were 40 poems in his collection, the community council thought it would be a great pity if they should be lost.

“The community council has funds for various projects each year, but because of the coronavirus situation we hadn’t been able to use them as we might have.

“So, with the blessing of David’s widow, Isla, and help from his family to collect them, we were able to put the book together.

“We hope it is a fitting way of honouring a very talented and observant member of the local community.

“We are grateful for the help and guidance of Angus Council’s digital reprographics unit who published this book.”

Proceeds from the sale will go to Lippen Care for its Strathmore hospice at Whitehills Health and Community Care Centre in Forfar.

Copies can be bought from members of the community council.