Kirkcaldy poetry winners are well versed

Kirkcaldy resident Brian Fairful (72), Cara Hayes (12), a pupil at Kirkcaldy High School and Casey Munro (10) a Kirkcaldy West Primary School pupil submitted the three winning poems, each one aiming to capture the spirit of Kirkcaldy.

The competition, launched on the birthday of Robert Burns, invited all those with a love of Scotland’s ‘Lang Toun’ to write a poem, with inspiration being drawn from the famous ‘Boy In The Train’ poem by Mary Campbell-Smith.

Bill Harvey, manager of Kirkcaldy4All, the town’s Business Improvement District, explained: “We were delighted with the response to the competition. There is clearly a lot of love and respect for the town out there, and plenty of creative spirit. Many of the entries were worthy competitors, but Brian, Cara and Casey really stole the show with their excellent poetic works.”

Brian Fairful said: “I am delighted to be one of the three winners, and it’s an honour to have my poem on display. When I heard about the competition I thought it was a great way to put pen to paper and explore what I love about Kirkcaldy.”

The competition is part of a wider scheme, working with Kirkcaldy-based filmmaker, David Cruikshanks to engage with local businesses on a one-to-one level.

He has been capturing content from the businesses which has been shared via the Kirkcaldy4All digital and social media channels. The initiative has proved very popular, not only for the businesses but also for customers.

Bill adds: “We hope to grow on the success of year one and make this annual competition. It has proven a briliant opportunity for local schools and residents to be creative and to celebrate all that makes Kirkcaldy great.

The winning entries were:

The “Boy” Returns by Brian Fairful

It’s many years since I set foot

Upon kirkcaldy station

Seems brighter now than long ago

But one thing i’ve found missing

That queer like smell, I knew so well

No longer hits my nostrils

Still, nairns name is well renowned

Throughout this town’s great portals

From past and present, the world o’er

Kirkcaldy’s’ greatest sons

Have changed our lives in many ways

Let me tell you of just some -

Before the ladies throw this out

I know of famous daughters

Pet marjory, when she was but a child

Wrote verse, and poignant letters

Adam smith, robert philp and stanford fleming

Their names will live forever

Never forget what they achieved

Through work, and much endeavour

But now we come to modern times

And plan kirkcaldy’s future

What lies ahead, I can’t foretell

The vision is hard to measure

Whats gone before, now should inspire

To add a brand new splendour

Build once more, a town pride

And people as its treasure

Kirkcaldy by Cara Hayes

The ducks waddle past at the Bevi Park,

They’ll be oot until its dark.

The Flyers race around the rink,

They don’t have time to stop and think.

Kirkcaldy High is the place to be,

But nothing beats the salty sea.

Go doon the toon wi one of yer mates,

And pop into BB’s and grab some cakes.

If you’re bored then don’t dismay,

Go to the theatre and watch a play.

Go doon the market and have a laugh,

But dinny take yer jacket aff.

Forget Dunfermline or Piscottie,

Because the best place of all is Kirkcaldy.

Go doon to Kittie’s and have a rave,

But always make sure that you behave.

The snow and rain come thrashing doon,

It’s a very unpredictable toon.

Go to Valente’s and grab some fish,

And eat it on a little dish.

Kirkcaldy is my favourite place,

You’ll always see a smiling face.

The Lang Toon by Casey Munro

As I wander round the park I see

The kids playing on the climbing frame

And also the tiny little pirate ship

It’s a good place to fly your kite!

If you think this is a good park then you are right!

The boat races every year!

Oh what a cheer!

And it is all in Kirkcaldy

Near the Beveridge Park is the new leisure centre

Oh it is such pleasure!

It has activities and a swimming pool

Every one said it is so cool

I go there all the time to have a swim

They even have a café

I normally have a diet coke

And it is all in Kirkcaldy

Across the road is the beach

Not to rocky just right

The hot sand is nice on your feet

And the glittering water in front of you

The animals in the water like fish and crabs

You see them all when thy lie on the sand

You could do anything at the beach

And it is all in Kirkcaldy!