KEN Sutherland's shortlisted entry to the 2005 McCash Scots Poetry Competition has a particularly Scotch humour to it.

Our thanks to all our poetry-writing readers who sent in entries for this year's competition. Results will be announced in a few weeks' time.

TINTO HILL WITHOOT OXYGEN

Thon's ma ain flag

Snappin awa brawly

On tap o' Tinto Hill

Whaur Messner himsel

(The grand exemplar)

Hasna set his fuit.

Ahm a great believer

In aye pushin masel

Tae ma verra leemit,

That's why ahm here

This

six month, i Zermatt

Ablow the Eiger

Puttin in ma trainin

Fur the north face

O' Largo Law.