The Mearns Quotes

“With them we may say there died a thing older than themselves, these were the Last of the Peasants, the last of the Old Scots folk. A new generation comes up that will know them not, except as a memory in a song...”
― Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Sunset Song

“The Scottish equivalent of Demeter is the Cailleach (Gaelic), or the Carline or Auld Wife (Scots), all signifying the old woman; whilst Persephone corresponds to the Maiden or Bride. This name Bride is given to the last sheaf in districts as far apart as Midlothian and the Mearns. In later times the distinction between the Cailleach and Bride was not everywhere maintained.”
― F. Marian McNeill, The Silver Bough, Volume 2: A Calendar of Scottish National Festivals - Candlemas to Harvest Home