Buddie BardTom is honoured for his verses
A retired Buddie who once sang as a choir boy in Paisley Abbey has won recognition for writing poetry in the style of Rabbie Burns.
Tom Green, 86, who grew up in Paisley and was raised in the town’s Alice Street, told how he likes to spend his golden years “versifying.”
Tom, who moved to Cupar in Fife more 50 years ago, still regards himself as a proud Paisley Buddie who first discovered his love of poetry while attending a Burns Supper at Charleston Bowling Club.
He said: “I was at this Burns Night at the bowling club and my brother told me the chairman was quite a dour fellow. It was then I decided to put something together in verse and it began with that sort of thing.
“I like writing about everyday things such as poems about the Scotch Pie, and going to the dancing when I was younger.”
Tom, who trained as an engineering draughtsman, worked at Cochrane’s in Hillington until he left the area and moved over to the east coast where he began working in a paper mill.
He later transferred to Edinburgh where he continued working with the Engineering Training Board, and settling in Fife.
But he still has fond memories of the town of his birth.
He added: “I will always be a Paisley Buddie.
“I sang in the choir at Paisley Abbey and later became Head Boy of the choir.”
Tom now holds the position as Cupar’s Bard for Cupar Burns’ Club in recognition of his love of Scots poetry, and his admiration for Rabbie Burns, the National Bard.
He has also contributed to the website The Poetry of Scotland.co.uk