Can you hear the echoes of Robert Fergusson’s wit in the air? Here, at the Robert Garioch Sutherland Plaque, we celebrate a kindred spirit. Robert Garioch Sutherland, born in Edinburgh on May 9, 1909, found inspiration in Fergusson’s satirical observations of city life. The Robert Garioch Sutherland Plaque, with its inscription “These twa-three chuckie-stanes I lay on Scotland’s cairn”, is a testament to Garioch’s contribution to Scottish literature. He wasn’t just a poet; he was a translator, lexicographer, and even a soldier. Garioch served in the Royal Signals during World War II and was a prisoner of war from 1942 to 1945, an experience he documented in his memoir “Two Men and a Blanket”. His war experiences added a layer of depth to his already sharp observations of Edinburgh life. Garioch’s poems, often written in Scots, offer a witty and insightful commentary on the city and its people. He captured the essence of Edinburgh’s streets, its characters, and its unique spirit. His works, including “Collected Poems” and “Embro to the Ploy”, are cherished for their humor and their honest portrayal of Scottish life. The Robert Garioch Sutherland Plaque stands as a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to words. He captured the heart and soul of Edinburgh, not with grand pronouncements, but with the keen eye and sharp wit of a true “makar”. He left behind a legacy of laughter and reflection, ensuring that his “chuckie-stanes” on Scotland’s cairn will be remembered for generations to come.
Lt Allan Ker Stone
This Lt Allan Ker Stone stands as a testament. It honors a man who faced death. He faced it with