William McGonagall meets Captain Scott.

Although both undoubtedly lived in Dundee at the same time, there is no record of McGonagall and Scott ever having met. However, what if Scotland's celebrated (worst) poet felt inclined to give an account of Capt. Scott’s story?

Captain Robert Falcon Scott RN

Considered himself most fortunate of men

An expedition to Antarctica had just been planned

And the whole kit and caboodle would come under his command.

A new century had just begun

And many discoveries were yet to be done

The South Pole for example was there for the taking

With a place in history ready for making.

A ship both tough and strong, as his needs be

Could only be built in the fair city of Dundee

So a contract was placed, and a price was set

51,000 quid the Panmure Shipyard would get.

Built of oak and elm, with all a craftsman could put in it

A cozy corner was selected for the golden rivet

Launched by Lady Markham (her husband had put the dosh up)

They then all went to the Queens Hotel for one hell of a nosh up.

Provisions were loaded for 45 good men and true

All hand picked by Scott to make up the crew

Rum, bum, and baccy was the order of the day

Well, with no women on board, it had to be that way.

In June 1901, Discovery put to sea

Saying a final farewell to Bonnie Dundee

A stop over in London was the first interjection

So that Edward the seventh could give an inspection.

45 sheep were the next passengers to board

Taken on in New Zealand to replenish the hoard

The crew licked their lips with wry anticipation

Giving the more handsome of ewes quite some trepidation.

Upon finally settling in Antarctica the following year

They began to sort out some of the gear

They dug out 'Eva' a blow up contraption

Then prepared themselves for some exiting action.

Captain Scott was first, high in the balloon to soar

Another first for the region to score

700ft. above, he surveyed the desolate sight

Home for the next two years to be their plight.

Diligently they set about their task

A plethora of scientific knowledge for to grasp

But the long winter nights would have been a bit of a drag

If it wasn't for a plentiful supply of good old navy shag.

In November, it was decided to go to the Pole

Scott, Wilson, and Shackelton took the hazardous stroll

Passing latitude 80 things started to slip

Frostbite and Scurvy forcing them back to the ship.

The ice finally cleared, and blessing the almighty

They sailed for a triumphant return to good old Blighty.

Discovery arrived at Spithead in 1904

26 months aft and a rapturous home coming fore.

Six years later, Scott to the South Pole returned

this time his attempt by the Norwegians was spurned

Under 50ft of snow he now lies at rest

with a place in history among the best.

Now the Discovery has finally come home

Never more the seven seas to roam

happy to be berthed at Discovery Quay

Right in the center of Bonnie Dundee.

In deference to the Master, I include a couple of original

Verses from William McGonagall. Here he pays tribute to he

Town of Nairn in the north east of Scotland

All ye tourists who wish to be away

From the crowded city for a brief holiday

The town of Nairn is worth a visit, I do confess

And its only about 15 miles from Inverness.

And in conclusion I will say for good bathing Nairn is best

And besides its pleasant scenery is of historical interest
And the climate gives health to many visitors while there
Therefore I would recommend Nairn for balmy pure air.