Aul and New Testaments translated into Doric
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A retired solicitor says he is "elated" after finishing an epic 17-year project to translate the full Bible into Doric.
It's the first time the entire text has ever been published in Scots or any of its dialects.
Gordon Hay finished the New Testament in 2012 "when I had a moment spare" between working.
But the Old Testament, which he has just completed, is approximately three times the length.
However once he retired, Gordon was able to dedicate more time to completing the vast undertaking.
The final Old Testament translation is 758 pages long and has over 570,000 words, representing an impressive piece of scholarship.
Over the years the church elder and organist has also been commissioned by Aberdeen University to put some of Handel's Messiah into Doric.
Born into a Doric speaking farming family in Inverkeithny, Banffshire, Gordon explained that his marathon scheme began in 2006.
"There used to be a biannual service taken in Doric in Buchan, but Rev Charles Birnie, the minister who used to translate it sadly died," he said.
Gordon was then approached to help and the project went from there.
A church member since childhood, he grew up worshipping at Inverkeithny Parish Church and has recently been awarded a long service award marking 30 years as an elder.
Speaking about why Doric sounds so distinctive, he explained that it has elements from other European languages including French and German due to the north east's trade links with the continent.
He added: "To some extent it's Anglo-Saxon still in use in the north east.
"Until about 150 years ago when proper roads were built the north east was very cut off from the rest of the country."
A launch party to which everyone is invited is being held on Friday, June 30 at Longside Parish Church from 7.30pm.
The evening will feature a soprano performing some of Gordon's translation of Handel's Messiah.
To purchase a copy of the Doric Bible, email gordonmhay@outlook.com
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ECCLESIASTES 3:1-11
Aathin his it's sizzon, an for ilka thing ye dee aneth e hivvens there's a time:
A time tae be born, an a time tae dee; a time tae shaav, an a time tae hairst;
a time tae dee awa wi, an a time tae mak aa better; a time tae pu doon, an a time tae bigg up;
a time tae greet, an a time tae lauch; a time tae moorn an a time tae dance;
a time tae scatter steens, an a time tae gaither them up;
a time tae gie a bosie, an a time tae haud back fae gien a bosie;
a time tae sikk, an a time tae tine; a time tae haud on tae things, an a time tae fling awa;
a time tae rive, an a time tae sort; a time tae be quait, an a time tae spik oot;
a time tae loo, an a time tae hate; a time for waar, an a time for peace.
Fit gweed dis e warker get fae aa his trachles?
A've seen e birn att God his gien fowk tae keep them thrang.
He's made aathin bonnie in its time.
He's gien fowk e sense o fit's gaen afore an fit's tae come,
bit naebody can unnerstan God's wark fae e yokin till e hinnerein.
