10. Introductory handsel

A Scots word and example sentence to learn:

• Voar [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]
• Definition: The spring of the year.

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  • Example sentence: Fir da voar an hairst quarters dan schule wis oot o da question.
  • English translation: For the spring and harvest quarters then school was out of the question.

Activity 2

Click to hear the sentence above read by a Scots speaker.

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Transcript

Listen

Fir da voar an hairst quarters dan schule wis oot o da question.

Model

Fir da voar an hairst quarters dan schule wis oot o da question.

End transcript

 

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Go to the Dictionary of the Scots Language for a full definition of the word.

Springtime in Shetland

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This is an image of a beach in Shetland. There is a sheepdog scouring the beach that is full of seaweed. In the background are farm buildings and the farmer’s house.

Springtime in Shetland

Related word:

• Hairst

• Definition: Harvest.

Example sentence: Hairst ‘ll soon be here, an aa da wark dat brings.

Example sentence: Autumn will soon be here, and all the work that brings.

Activity 3

Click to hear the sentence above read by a Scots speaker.

You can then make your own recording and play it back to check your pronunciation.

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Transcript

Listen

Hairst ‘ll soon be here, an aa da wark dat brings.

Model

Hairst ‘ll soon be here, an aa da wark dat brings.

End transcript

 

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Go to the Dictionary of the Scots Language for a full definition of the word.

The autumn colours in this photo are illustrative of crofting life in Shetland and the different stages the different crofters will work through within Hairst. Some have just cut their crops from the fields (now stored for winter), some fields were cut earlier in the season and are already turning green again, other fields are completely green and suitable for the sheep and cattle to graze upon again

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A view over a town in Shetland, with fields, houses, and parts of a coastline. In the background are rolling hills.

The autumn colours in this photo are illustrative of crofting life in Shetland and the different stages the different crofters will work ...