Fraserburgh-born George Bruce (1909-2002) was one of the most distinguished men of 20th-century Scottish letters, as broadcaster and editor as well as poet of austere originality.

He remained intellectually sharp and creative into his 90s and it is appropriate that his last volume of collected poems, published in 2000, should bear the title Today Tomorrow (Polygon, £14.99).

LOVE IN AGE

Now that we have had our day, you

having carried, borne children,

been responsible through the wearing years,

in this moment and the next

and still the next as our love

spreads to tomorrow's horizon,

we talk a little before silence.

Let the young make up their love songs,

about which subject they are securely ignorant.

Let them look into eyes that mirror

themselves. Let them groan and ululate

their desire into a microphone. Let them

shout their proclamations over the Tannoy

a whisper is enough for us.