De Moray -
Scotland's other Andy Murray
To purchase De Moray click on the book cover image.
If you are USA then click here:
This (new cover with the medieval Stirling insignia) 50 page epic rhyme of 2,000 lines is set out not only in old Scots but with a rhyming rendering in English on each consecutive page, therefore totaling 4,000 lines of 100 pages. Therefore it stands as a poem in both languages.
Through eyes of the traditional-tale-teller, we follow the campaign of Sir Andrew de Moray during the 1st War of Scottish Independence. Opening out with Clan Moray (now spelled Murray) heraldry and enigmas from the heavens to the deep, Celtic philosophy, pride in ancestry, laced with its heart for attachment, and soul for honour, the question of cultural and national identity expressed through the oral tradition in the light of the human family as whole is also explored. We then enter the clan’s history, the rise of the wars of independence, following this great patriot through his Northern Rising, capture, escape, 2nd rising in the north, recapturing of his ancient family strongholds, and more.
The final 200 lines of this 2,000 line epic, is devoted to the ingenious Battle Stirling Bridge, and the elegy. Here with his co-commander, Sir William Wallace they together win their greatest victory that would ultimately cost Moray not only his life but proper recognition.
This poem exemplifies not only the strategic genius of Sir Andrew De Moray, as master of maneuver, but the mercy and compassion to foes exhibited by the Scots warrior throughout the ages, making them as a people yet a shining light to humanity.
Therefore as per Blin’ Harry’s medieval epic The Wallace, which was the inspiration for the blockbuster movie Braveheart, so might De Moray also serve to highlight the life and times yet another selfless hero. Referenced appendixes are also added for educational purposes.
Reviews:
" A different approach to an interesting individual. The book is written in an usual format, however the details provided are useful. "
Ed Campbell, SNP
“.... It tells the tale of Sir Andrew de Moray during the first War of Scottish Independence. This a major achievement, a great read and the fascinating tale of a true Scottish hero.”
Scottish Field magazine July issue, 2014, page 221.
"This seems an excellent way to start our series of poems on Hopes for Scotland, since de Moray is praised for the virtues of “compassion and couthy welcome” as the bard sets out the standards of the Scots, what distinguishes them among the “blood brothers of mankind”: their fine climate, and their philosophy of honour and free speech.”
Scots Language Centre Poem of the Month March, 2014
" When it comes to the Scottish Wars of Independence, Andrew de Moray is often overlooked in mainstream spaces. Perhaps even more enigmatic than his co-commander William Wallace, de Moray's untimely death after the Battle of Stirling Bridge robbed medieval Scotland of one of its most prominent fighters.
This epic poem is written in both Scots and English, meaning it's accessible to all. I found it useful both as someone researching Andrew de Moray but also wishing to learn more about the Scots language. The translation certainly assists with the latter. With very little written with de Moray as the central character, this is a great resource for those wanting to know more about the other key players in the Wars of Independence. "
Cath Morrison, Stirling Tourism.
If you are USA then click here:
This (new cover with the medieval Stirling insignia) 50 page epic rhyme of 2,000 lines is set out not only in old Scots but with a rhyming rendering in English on each consecutive page, therefore totaling 4,000 lines of 100 pages. Therefore it stands as a poem in both languages.
Through eyes of the traditional-tale-teller, we follow the campaign of Sir Andrew de Moray during the 1st War of Scottish Independence. Opening out with Clan Moray (now spelled Murray) heraldry and enigmas from the heavens to the deep, Celtic philosophy, pride in ancestry, laced with its heart for attachment, and soul for honour, the question of cultural and national identity expressed through the oral tradition in the light of the human family as whole is also explored. We then enter the clan’s history, the rise of the wars of independence, following this great patriot through his Northern Rising, capture, escape, 2nd rising in the north, recapturing of his ancient family strongholds, and more.
The final 200 lines of this 2,000 line epic, is devoted to the ingenious Battle Stirling Bridge, and the elegy. Here with his co-commander, Sir William Wallace they together win their greatest victory that would ultimately cost Moray not only his life but proper recognition.
This poem exemplifies not only the strategic genius of Sir Andrew De Moray, as master of maneuver, but the mercy and compassion to foes exhibited by the Scots warrior throughout the ages, making them as a people yet a shining light to humanity.
Therefore as per Blin’ Harry’s medieval epic The Wallace, which was the inspiration for the blockbuster movie Braveheart, so might De Moray also serve to highlight the life and times yet another selfless hero. Referenced appendixes are also added for educational purposes.
Reviews:
" A different approach to an interesting individual. The book is written in an usual format, however the details provided are useful. "
Ed Campbell, SNP
“.... It tells the tale of Sir Andrew de Moray during the first War of Scottish Independence. This a major achievement, a great read and the fascinating tale of a true Scottish hero.”
Scottish Field magazine July issue, 2014, page 221.
"This seems an excellent way to start our series of poems on Hopes for Scotland, since de Moray is praised for the virtues of “compassion and couthy welcome” as the bard sets out the standards of the Scots, what distinguishes them among the “blood brothers of mankind”: their fine climate, and their philosophy of honour and free speech.”
Scots Language Centre Poem of the Month March, 2014
" When it comes to the Scottish Wars of Independence, Andrew de Moray is often overlooked in mainstream spaces. Perhaps even more enigmatic than his co-commander William Wallace, de Moray's untimely death after the Battle of Stirling Bridge robbed medieval Scotland of one of its most prominent fighters.
This epic poem is written in both Scots and English, meaning it's accessible to all. I found it useful both as someone researching Andrew de Moray but also wishing to learn more about the Scots language. The translation certainly assists with the latter. With very little written with de Moray as the central character, this is a great resource for those wanting to know more about the other key players in the Wars of Independence. "
Cath Morrison, Stirling Tourism.
" This is something I have waited for for many, many years and have made the easy, more than reasonable purchase. A true bard is, above all, a story teller. Homer was a story teller. Virgil was a story teller. But this is far more. In fact, it is absolutely everything a fine Scots poem needs to be, and by that I do mean everything. It is at once supremely literary, technically masterful, beautiful, meaningful, and profoundly engaging. This is no slavish emulation of the past here, this is Scots poetry as it needs to be now and for the future. And yes, it is timeless. A treasure. I am reassured that there are so many fine Scots poets serving so many poetical functions in their world. However, the the men of the Renaissance (think of George Buchanan among your Scottish humanists) were correct in their assertion that there is a hierarchy among poetic genres with the epic taking the highest place. Why? Because it is united with History. And, speaking of Renaissance, many of us in the States could only stomach the likes of Edwin Muir and very few others. For the most part, the entire "Scottish Renaissance" movement seemed over-marketed. Excessive emulation of the dead and boring 20th century is dangerous: I think, with the likes of Paraig MacNeil and others working in the other poetic registers, it is entirely possible that we are living in a real Scottish Renaissance at this very moment. Something worth considering. In conclusion, I can only say: Scotland, please learn to cherish and honor the good Scots poets you have with you now. The culture they offer is health, it balances. Why spend time in newspapers and pundits who never have anything but the same old things to say in their little dualistic bubble? Read your poets, listen to your story tellers, buy their books, enjoy them, let them lift you, let them stabilize your spirit in these troubled times. They do all of this not for themselves, but for you! "
Joseph MacKenzie 10th May, 2020
Beloware are pics of the Stirling Bridge 11th September. 2014 commemoration of Paraig beside singer/song-writer Alastair Mcdonald:
 Lines 1939 - 1950 of Paraig's Scots epic 'De Moray'
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 Watching directly
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Listening intently
Reciting intensely
The Dedication
Unveiling of the De Moray/Wallace lecterns on Friday 29th May
The Guardians of Scotland Trust.
The Kindle ebook and epic poem De Moray now less than half price for a meagre £2.58!!!!
At the below the Unveiling of the De Moray/Wallace lecterns on Friday 29th May, lines 1939 - 1950 of De Moray - Scots rendering, was performed by Paraig MacNeil from Chapter 49 Tryumphe ande Traid -Triumph and Trade - of De Moray, in the presence of dignitaries: MSP Stewart Maxwell, Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Culture Committee, The Provosts of Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannan, Trust Patron, The Earl of Moray, Trust Chairman and councillor Fergus Wood, singer/song-writer Ted Christopher, as well hosts from the Wallace Society and others marked the first phase of the Guardians of Scotland Trust's project to raise twin memorials for Sir Andrew de Moray and Sir William Wallace, the heroes of The Battle of Stirling Bridge 11th September, 1297 A.D. see BBC article, Scots Magazine feature, also lCentral FM: Newsnet, Brechin Carluke Advertiser, Montrose Review and many many more throughout the country.
Above: Lectern 2 with lines 1939 - 1950 in the Scots rendering of the 2,000 line epic
De Moray. and the stone slab in front of it with the name of the author
The Guardians of Scotland Trust.
The Kindle ebook and epic poem De Moray now less than half price for a meagre £2.58!!!!
At the below the Unveiling of the De Moray/Wallace lecterns on Friday 29th May, lines 1939 - 1950 of De Moray - Scots rendering, was performed by Paraig MacNeil from Chapter 49 Tryumphe ande Traid -Triumph and Trade - of De Moray, in the presence of dignitaries: MSP Stewart Maxwell, Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Culture Committee, The Provosts of Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannan, Trust Patron, The Earl of Moray, Trust Chairman and councillor Fergus Wood, singer/song-writer Ted Christopher, as well hosts from the Wallace Society and others marked the first phase of the Guardians of Scotland Trust's project to raise twin memorials for Sir Andrew de Moray and Sir William Wallace, the heroes of The Battle of Stirling Bridge 11th September, 1297 A.D. see BBC article, Scots Magazine feature, also lCentral FM: Newsnet, Brechin Carluke Advertiser, Montrose Review and many many more throughout the country.
Above: Lectern 2 with lines 1939 - 1950 in the Scots rendering of the 2,000 line epic
De Moray. and the stone slab in front of it with the name of the author
Paraig reciting chapter and page 49 of his epic De Moray
Above, hosted by fellow Guardian of Scotland Trustee, Fergus Wood, Trustee Ted Christopher here sings two of his patriotic songs of Heroes o' the Brig Sir Andrew de Moray and Sir William Wallace, after an opening speech by MSP Stewart Maxwell, a performance of chapter 49 of his own Scots epic De Moray by Trustee Paraig MacNeil, (pic to the left) followed by a speech by the Trust's patron The Earl of Moray.
Whilst Ted was singing, Stewart Maxwell raised the Saltire on this most historic occasion.
Others present included fellow Trustees John Robertson, Robin Iffra and George Boyle of the William Wallace Society, as well as our very own and valiant Project Manager Kathleen O'Neill. The field by the auld brig was well attended by many Scots patriots on the momentous day with two members of the Clanranald Trust dressed as Sir Andrew de Moray and Sir William Wallace..
Whilst Ted was singing, Stewart Maxwell raised the Saltire on this most historic occasion.
Others present included fellow Trustees John Robertson, Robin Iffra and George Boyle of the William Wallace Society, as well as our very own and valiant Project Manager Kathleen O'Neill. The field by the auld brig was well attended by many Scots patriots on the momentous day with two members of the Clanranald Trust dressed as Sir Andrew de Moray and Sir William Wallace..
Below is Ted Christopher performing his two patriotic songs about Moray and Wallace:
Below: Charlie (Andrew de Moray Project), Alison (my wife), Ted and Robin (fellow trustees) at the lecterns.
Charlie, Alison, Ted and Robin
More pics and slideshow and coverage:
De Moray
The Kindle ebook De Moray is gaining recognition and indeed 'kindled' the start of the Hopes for Scotland Project
The last 200 lines (of the 2,000 line epic rendered in both rhyming Scots and and in English), which declaims the preamble, engagement, aftermath, summation of the Battle of Stirling Bridge and the elegy has been performed professionally and received with acclaim in folk-club setting, care homes, schools, as well on-site, at the battle anniversary commemoration in September of 2014, just days before the referendum for independence. Plans may also be afoot to tour giving talks on the life and times of Sir Andrew de Moray with performance.
"...Hopes for Scotland The Scots poet Paraig MacNeil has recently published an epic companion poem in Scots and English on the life and times of Sir Andrew de Moray, hero of the Wars of Scottish Independence.
This seems an excellent way to start our series of poems on Hopes for Scotland.."
see: Scots Language Centre's website for the full article.
It has also received a great review on page 221 of the Scottish Field magazine July, 2014 issue, on the page entitled A Scottish perspective on the world of publishing, plus brilliant books for you to buy where the review states:
" This poem is a 2,000 line epic, and when I say poem I mean that it is written in rhyming couplets. None of your contemporary poetry here. There are two versions of the work, one in Scots and one in English. It tells the tale of Sir Andrew De Moray during the first War of Scottish Independence. This is a major achievement, a great read and the fascinating tale of a true Scottish hero."
See also my 1st ever attempt at imovie/You Tube home-made video promoting the book on its publishing (November 2013) lines from De Moray and slide show in an excerpt from page/Chapter 47, The Brygg (The Bridge) - to page/Chapter 38, Wede Awa (Withered Away) lines 1841 - 1900.
Below is a fun song production about William Wallace and the Battle of Stirling Bridge by 'Horrible Histories':
