Lord Provost Helen Wright
William McGonagall Ceremony Edinburgh

At the start of the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe in 1999 a ceremony took place in Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh to unveil a plaque marking the final resting place of William McGonagall. Helen recited a poem she wrote in the famous McGonagall-style, which seemed more fitting for this occasion than making a speech!

In McGonagallese I would just like to say,
Greetings from the Silvery Tay!
To be in Edinburgh, this plaque to unveil,
Is an honour - a duty that I would not fail!

Dundonians are proud of their remarkable Bard,
As the “world’s worst poet” his good name was tarred,
But the following he has after all this time,
Is a sign of his worth and ability to rhyme.

To find this plaque will not be hard,
Pride o’ place in Greyfriars Yard!
For tourists and visitors all to see,
The Fringe really started in Dundee!

People will visit by day and by night,
To see the plaque - unveiled by Milligan and Wright,
Not to the “world’s worst poet” – but to one of the best!
We’ve marked the spot where he was laid to rest!

Press article about the occasion

The ceremony was also attended by Lord Provost of Edinburgh Eric Milligan, McGonagall's great-great-grandson William McGonagall, McGonagall's great-great-great-granddaughter Mary Ross.

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