A Bottle and Friend

A Bottle and Friend
There’s nane that’s blest of human kind,
But the cheerful and the gay, man,
Here’s a bottle and an honest friend!
What wad ye wish for mair, man?
Wha kens, before his life may end,
What his share may be o’ care, man?
Then catch the moments as they fly,
And use them as ye ought, man:
Believe me, happiness is shy,
And comes not aye when sought, man.

To celebrate Robert Burns’ birthday – the theme of this poem is one of his favourites – the simple things in life. Here’s “A Bottle and a Friend”


  • Gillebrìde MacMillan – Renowned Gaelic singer and ‘the Bard’ in Sony Starz Outlander. http://www.gillebride.com
  • The Highland Divas – America-based singing group made up of two Scots and a Kiwi; They perform during NY Tartan Week, as well as numerous global venues and events.
  • Brydon Wright – Lerwick Shetland Up Helly Aa Jarl Squad
  • Amy Rew – Founder, Glasgow Girls Club
  • Tristan Cameron Harper – Professional ice hockey player #26 – Braehead Clan, model https://www.instagram.com/tristancameronharper/?hl=en
  • Howie Nicholsby – Celebrity kilt designer and owner, 21stCentury Kilts in Edinburgh. http://21stcenturykilts.com
  • Gordon Millar – Author, style guru and founder: Scot Street Style.
  • Michael Pedersen – Scottish poet, playwright and performer. Co-founder of the literary night and record label Neu! Reekie!
  • Luke James Cockram – Lead Actor: Robert Burns, The Musical
  • Rachel McLagan – World Champion Highland Dancer. Now dances and choreographs for the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Whisky Kiss, among others, through her company “Flings and Things”.
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