Westlothiana lizziae

Aimee Chalmers writes about this fossil in the Beginnings gallery, on Level -1, which is vital to understanding how reptiles evolved from amphibians.

Westlothiana lizziae: 'Lizzie was here'

Dinnae daeve me
Wi braggarts,
Bletherumskites.

Tongues that’d clip cloots,
Clish-ma-claver,
Gibble-gabble, girns, grumphs.

Skinnie-ma-Lizzie,
Never said a word,
The wee cratur.

Slithered on stumpy legs
Frae a lochan (in a wee crater),
Put her fit doon.

Stampit her mark.
Nae art, nae kiddin,
Yet her truith abides for aye.

‘Lizzie was here.’

In this land.

Heezes ma hert,
The wee scone.

Don’t bother me with boasts, careless talk, idle tittle-tattle, arrogant nonsense, moans and groans. I prefer the style of ‘Thin Lizzie’, who never even spoke. Though a tiny creature, with stubby legs, she’s a vital link in our evolutionary story. Despite a lack of art or artifice she’s left an enduring mark on Scotland that makes me reflect. I’m proud of her.

About the author

Aimee Chalmers

After a career in education, local government research and policy work, Aimee Chalmers moved into creative writing. In 2006 she edited the selected work of the poet Marion Angus, and in 2009 completed a doctorate in Creative Writing (St Andrews).

She is a member of the Society of Authors, having published articles, poetry, short stories in Scots and English. She has also written for local radio and television, and recently completed the novel Blackthorn. She has given numerous presentations in schools, sometimes with her larger than life papier-mache characters. She enjoys being a guest tutor (creative writing) for the WEA and has spoken to organisations and societies (on Scots language/Marion Angus). She particularly enjoys collaborative work with other artists (eg ‘Drift o Rain’ with the Heisenberg Ensemble, StAnza 2007).

Other works by Aimee Chalmers

Hear Aimee read 'Treisur', a Scots poem written for the launch of 26 Treasures.

Hear Aimee read 'Tae a Scruff', her response to Burns' 'To a Mouse', written for the closing event of 26 Treasures.

Westlothiana lizziae