Perthshire and Kinross

Michael Bruce, otherwise known as the ‘‘Gentle Poet
of Loch Leven,” was born in Kinnesswood in 1746. He
was a son of a hand-loom weaver, who was in poor circumstances. The young poet, being of a delicate con-
stitution, died when he was only 21. He had great gifts
and during his short life wrote many beautiful poems.
The one most esteemed is the “Ode to the Cuckoo,” which has been described as “the finest lyric in our language.”

Among other poems by him are “Lochleven,” the “Last
Day” and “Elegy written in Spring,” which last he wrote
about the time when he was dying.

Perhaps, however, the greatest gift he has given to us
are the paraphrases written by him for use by the Village
Precentor in teaching the people to sing the Psalm Tunes. Ten of these are included in the Scripture Paraphrases constantly used by Scottish people in Church worship.The two of these best known are the second, beginning “Oh, God of Bethel,” and the eighteenth, beginning “Behold the Mountain of the Lord.”

Many years ago his Cottage at Kinnesswood was bought
and is kept by Trustees as a Memorial, and annually
Memorial Services are held in the month of July, when a
commemorative address is given and his paraphrases are
used at the service.

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