£500 raised in a 
puff of smoke       

By Paul Hastie WHEN HE died in 1979, Hugh MacDiarmid was regarded by many as the greatest Scots poet since Robert Burns, writes Paul Hastie. Now, to mark Burns Night on Tuesday, MacDiarmid’s legacy has brought a £500 boost to our Hospice Appeal. The poet’s favourite pipe has been bought for Irvine Burns Club by Tommy Sheridan MSP and local businessman Alan Black.  MacDiarmid’s pipe was presented to the club members yesterday and all of the £500 paid for it will go to CHAS. The pipe is being sold by acclaimed Ayrshire poet Henry Mair, a good friend of MacDiarmid. Henry was given the pipe by the poet’s widow, Valda.

Henry with the pipe mounted on its oak base.

After her husband’s death, Valda asked Henry to chose an item as a keepsake. He asked for one of his friend’s eight pipes and Valda was kind enough to hand over MacDiarmid’s favourite. “It has been in a jar in my house for 25 years,” said Henry. “Now future generations will have it as a reminder of the great man. MacDiarmid was a Scot first and last. He went on about the future of Scotland — and that’s what our children are. He’d be happy his pipe will help build a new hospice for CHAS.” Henry made sure the pipe received proper respect before he passed it on. He took it to a local jeweller, who created a mount from 200-year-old Scottish oak, with a sterling silver plaque. Inscribed are the words, “Hugh MacDiarmid, Scottish writer and poet, some say he was greater than Burns”.  Tommy and Alan donated £250 each. Tommy was delighted the memento would take pride of place at the Burns Club. He said, “I’m very interested in MacDiarmid — a Scots socialist and writer. I’m pleased so much has been raised for a fantastic cause and that the pipe has a good home.” Alan agreed, “CHAS is a really worthy charity. There are a lot of poor kids, we need to remember how lucky we are.”

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