The speaker declares his love for the Scottish seaside town of Montrose, celebrating its sights with unfiltered enthusiasm. He admires the Chain Bridge over the salmon-filled river Esk, the pleasant bowling green at Mid Links, and the wide High Street where pedestrians can walk without bumping into each other. The air itself — fragranced by the sea and flowers — seems to promise health and happiness. It’s the kind of poem that reads like a proud postcard: the repeated word “beautiful” and the affectionate “Bonnie Montrose” create an innocent, joyful mood. You can almost hear a cheerful voice insisting on every charm, from trout you can catch “without any gammon” (no fuss) to streets so broad that no one jostles. There’s no hidden meaning, just genuine, slightly comical civic pride.
Bonnie Montrose — Summary
Beautiful town of Montrose, I will now commence my lay, And I will write in praise of thee without dismay, And in spite of all your foes, I will venture to call thee Bonnie Montrose.
Your beautiful Chain Bridge is magnificent to be seen, Spanning the river Esk, a beautiful tidal stream, Which abounds with trout and salmon, And can be had for the catching without any gammon.
Then as for the Mid Links, it is most beautiful to be seen, And I'm sure is a very nice bowling green, Where young men can enjoy themselves and inhale the pure air, Emanating from the sea and the beautiful flowers there.
And as for the High Street, it's most beautiful to see, There's no street can surpass it in the town of Dundee, Because it is so long and wide, That the people can pass on either side Without jostling one another Or going to any bother.
Beautiful town of Montrose, near by the seaside, With your fine shops and streets so wide, 'Tis health for the people that in you reside, Because they do inhale the pure fragrant air, Emanating from the sea waves and shrubberies growing there; And the inhabitants of Montrose ought to feel gay, Because you are one of the bonniest towns in Scotland at the present day.