Paisley’s u3a group is set to shine a spotlight on the town’s celebrated weaver poet, Robert Tannahill, with a special musical afternoon on Thursday 4th December.
Local singer and musician George McCallum will lead the session, performing a selection of Tannahill’s songs and sharing some of the poet’s best-known verses with members and visitors.
George said Tannahill’s work still speaks powerfully today. “If Robert were to return now, he’d sadly see many of the issues he protested against still with us. He opposed war and slavery, and he wrote boldly about social injustice and mental health — struggles that shaped his own life. It’s an honour to study his work, perform it, and help keep his voice alive.”
George was introduced to Tannahill later in life after joining the Tannahill McDonald Club in Paisley around ten years ago. Members meet quarterly in Tannahill’s Cottage on Queen Street. Soon after joining, he was encouraged to explore the poet’s life and works. As a guitarist and singer, he quickly found joy in learning Tannahill’s songs and performing them in the historic cottage where the poet once lived.
Deputy chair of Paisley and District u3a, Rod Ferrier, said the event promises to be warm, lively and festive. “George will bring Tannahill’s life and words to life through stories, songs and poems. Tannahill was a major Scottish poet and songwriter in his day — almost as well-known as Robert Burns — and members will be able to join in during this interactive presentation.”
The group meets in Paisley’s Salvation Army Hall on Mill Street with refreshments available from 1.30pm before the session begins at 2pm.
Details on u3a activities, groups and how to join can be found at https://paisleydistrict.u3asite.uk.
Headline photo: Robert Tannahill is the focus of a presentation by local expert and Scottish folk guitarist George McCallum
Photo Credit: Unknown, supplied by u3a