Quotes from three poets carved on to wall at Holyrood

Three quotes from some of Scotland’s most well-known poets have been unveiled on the walls of the Scottish Parliament.

Works from previous Scots Makars Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay and Kathleen Jamie have been selected following 5,000 public votes.

The words have been carved into stones from across the country by Perthshire-based stone carver Gillian Forbes, assisted by apprentice Cameron Wallace.

They have been placed on the Canongate Wall of Holyrood, which sits on the Royal Mile.

The three works bring the total number of quotations to 29, which include a variety of Scottish writers and thinkers, along with popular proverbs and poems.

Lochhead’s quote, carved into Achnaba Schist from Lochgilphead, reads: “this

“our one small country…

“our one, wondrous, spinning, dear green place.

“What shall we build of it, together

“in this our one small time and space?

Kay’s quote, carved into Ailsa Craig Granite from Ayrshire, says: “Where do you come from?

“‘Here,’ I said, ‘Here. These parts.’

Jamie’s quote, carved into Dalbeattie Granite from Dumfriesshire, says: “Be brave:

“by the weird-song in the dark you’ll find your way.”

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone said the new additions to the wall are a “celebration of the talent and skill of women who are performing at the very top of their professions” in Scotland.

She added: “The inspirational words of our three poets – Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay and Kathleen Jamie – combine with the skill of stone carver Gillian Forbes, making these quotes something of real beauty using stone from across Scotland.

“This is only possible thanks to the original vision of Enric Miralles and artist Soraya Smithson, who designed the wall as a permanent reminder of our rich cultural heritage.

“I’m proud to unveil these new quotes, which ensure that this piece of living public sculpture reflects the writing talent we have in Scotland today.”

Lochhead, Makar from 2011 to 2016, said: “It’s a big part of my life, being a Scot, being somebody who has a Parliament, and getting some of my words on the walls here, it’s fantastic.”

Kay, who took over as Makar in 2016 until 2021 said: “It’s a huge honour and so extraordinary to be carved into stone.

“It’s so strange to think of your words surviving you – but in a sense, that’s every writer’s dream.”

Jamie, who was Makar from 2021 until last year, said: “Poetry is very democratic. It’s available to anybody – through libraries, through memory. It’s free, and it’s absolutely of our culture.”