THAT time-honoured Scottish institution, the bidie-in - a much more endearing concept than its English equivalents of live-in lover or co-habituee - is the subject of an amusing two-part composition by Diana Hendry and Hamish Whyte of Edinburgh.

Here is the first section; tomorrow comes the reply.

BIDIE-IN -

APPLICATION

O let me be your bidie-in

And keep you close within

As dearest kith and kin

I promise I'd be tidy in

Whatever bed or bunk you're in

I'd never ever drink your gin

I'd be your multi-vitamin

I'd wear my sexy tiger-skin

And play my love-sick mandolin

It cannot be a mortal sin

To be in such a dizzy spin

I'd like to get inside your skin

I'd even be your concubine

I hope you know I'm genuine

O let me be your bidie-in.