My Heart’s in the Highlands: Classic Scottish Poems

by Gaby Morgan (Editor), John Glenday (Introduction)

My Heart’s in the Highlands: Classic Scottish Poems is a glorious collection of classic poems and verse introduced by the acclaimed poet, John Glenday.

Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. The poems in this collection are selected by editor, Gaby Morgan.

With poems from famous Scottish writers such as Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Mary, Queen of Scots herself there is plenty here to enjoy and inspire. The book roams across so many aspects of Scottish life and culture; its landscape and its history, its people and its celebrations. It’s a country that has inspired poets to write about love, nature and heritage, and to reflect on the important things of life.

Genres: Poetry, Classics, Scotland

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 13, 2021

Reviews

[Irina Lombardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now my heart's in the Highlands, too. I desperately want to live there.

[Doro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology contains poems from various authors and various ages. Also subjects are varied. Some are more challenging to read (keep in mind, English is my second language). Unpopular opinion but most of Burns's poetry wasn't my cup of tea. But worth a read nonetheless

[Gursewak Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of Scottish poems that take you on a journey through ages and across the landscape of Scotland. I enjoyed reading these and especially had fun trying to read the poems in Scots.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Heart’s in the Highlands: Classic Scottish Poems, Gaby Morgan, John Glenday
Splendid anthology, awakens the heart, even if you've never been to Scotland. ****

"Poetry has always been serious business in Scotland." - introduction

Farewell to the Highlands, by Robert Burns - My Heart's in the Highlands. Beautiful, heart-wrenching, a poem for every person.

Loch Lomond, Lady John Scott
".. bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond."

Address to a Haggis
Odd sentimental, passionate

A Red, Red Rose
"O my luv's like a red, red rose.." Famous poem of romance

She walks in Beauty, Byron
Brilliant! "She walks in Beauty, like the night
Or cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes..."

All for Love, Lord Byron
He can write! "I knew it was love, and I felt it was glory."

Ae Fond Kiss, Robert Burns
Passionate, "Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee.."

Annie Laurie, Alicia Florence Scott
Tender. ".. she's a' the world to me, "

O wert thou in the cauld blast, Robert Burns
He was sentimental. "Or were I in the wildest waste.."

Skye Boat Song, Harold Boulton
Patriotic. "Speed bonnie boat like a bird on the wing.."

Bright Rings of Words, Robert Louis Stevenson
“Bright is the ring of words / when the right man rings them.” – a funeral poem

So We'll Go No More a Roving, by Lord Byron.
Simple and yet full of nostalgic longing and the reality of grief. Reminds me of the Elves leaving the shores of Middle-Earth.
"For the sword outwears its sheath,
And the soul wears out the breast.."
How good is that!?
"So, we'll go no more a roving
So late into the night,
Though the heart be still as loving,
And the moon be still as bright."

Escape at Bedtime, Robert Louis Stevenson
Fun and insightful, "And the stars going round in my head."

The Banks O’ Doon, Burns – “.. o’ bonie Doon..”

Where go the Boats? Words by Robert Louis Stevenson
Underestimated as a poet. "Dark brown is the river.."

A Boy's Song, James Hogg
Delightful,
"Where the pools are bright and deep,
Where the grey trout lies asleep,
Up the river and over the lea,
That 's the way for Billy and me."

Foreign Lands, Robert Louis Stevenson
".. And all the playthings come alive."

Autumn Fires, Robert Louis Stevenson
"The red fire blazes."

To a Mouse – the original, the heartfelt classic, “The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men..”

Requiem, Robert Louis Stevenson
“And the hunter home from the hill.” – a funeral poem ***

Lochinvar, Walter Scott
Does any man object to this wedding? Yarr!!

John Anderson My Jo - saying goodbye to a dear old friend, "Your locks were like the raven, Your bony brow was brent.."

The Laird O Cockpen, Lady Nairne
Tale of gallantry.

Lord Ullin's Daughter, by Thomas Campbell
Highland tale - sad and tragic

The Braes of Yarrow
Beautiful and sad. "She found his body in the stream, And now with him she sleeps in Yarrow."

Tam O’ Shanter. A Tale – a poem of horror from the Scottish legend.

Child in the Manger
Christmas poem. "Prophets foretold him.."

Auld Lang Syne – everybody knows it! "Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?"
…………………………………….

[James Greening · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true treasure of a book, this book is as beautiful to flip through as it is to read. The poetry is from several classic Scottish poets, and the actual book has gorgeous gold edging and the pages feel amazing as you flip through the yarns of the Highlands. Highly recommend for any poetry lover or fan of Scotland!

[ArrowBreaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this as I was in the Highlands and as I was leaving was very poignant. I already miss it.

[Miss Jools · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely collection of Scottish poems, covering a range of periods and topics.

I'd read a lot of the Burns poems before, but it was good to start the year with Auld Lang Syne!