Kingussie. Poem by PAUL COLVIN

The mountains rise above the town as if to guard it looking down
So drab and grey, look so intense, these granite giants are immense.
The rainclouds pushing further North, these sweeping greys drift back and forth
Mixed with sun and broken blue, what price for this, this princely view?

Swathing through majestic glen, the mighty Spey it winds and bends
Its waltzing waters dance along, dappled with the morning sun
An air they play if you know how to listenWhilst its rippling waves they glisten
And cutting through them trout will rise, rising high to catch the flies.

Anglers gently cast their line as ramblers roam through forests’ pine
Cyclists take to country lanes beyond Ruthven Barracks last remains.
Where the Bonnie Prince, the Jacobite, had his men rest, a sleepless night
That night before Culloden Moor, where Scot fought Scot in Christian War.

Stunning views from all around, accompanied by the sweetest sound
The dawn chorus plays as morning breaks, the Highland call for me to wake.
Buzzards hang in skies, so still, whilst red deer feed on Highland hill
And pheasant with their feathers bright, just seeing them brings sheer delight.

Be on guard and peel your eyes and claim your own Glenbogle prize
What is it? You’ll know that when, you see The Monarch Of The Glen.
Majestic, standing proud and tall, on rocky crag you’ll hear him call
The Stag in all his splendour stands, surveying all that he commands.

From Feshie Bridge to Aviemore and Kingussie to Newtonmore
There’s golfing, fishing, riding plus watersports and gliding
Or take a walk to Gynack loch, there’s plenty here in Badenoch
A picnic here will make your day with views to take your breath away.