Tam stumbled out the pub into his car.
‘Off home then, Meg,’ he patted the grey metal, named after the horse she had replaced. After several attempts he managed to crank the engine into life and got behind the wheel.
He weaved drunkenly along the single track road. As he passed the old church and graveyard he veered as bright lights sped past him and a loud shrieking horn blared out.
‘Aha, the ghosts and witches are about tonight!’ he cried.
Behind him a blaring siren and more bright lights pursued him.
‘They shan’t catch us tonight, Meg,’ and on he charged towards the river.
Reaching the Bridge of Doon, the car clipped the stone wall and the rear bumper clattered off, colliding with the police car that had chased the erratic driver.
Tam looked back and shook a gleeful fist at his stricken pursuers.
‘Kate, I’m coming my love,’ he laughed. Only when crying her name did he begin to fear what Kate would do when she saw he had arrived home drunk again.

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).
I apologise and hope I can be excused for exceeding the word limit this week as today is Burns Day in Scotland, celebrating the life and work of our national poet, Robert Burns. One of his famous poems is ‘Tam O’Shanter, A Tale’ – based on the prompt I have attempted an updated version in honour of Burns.
The original poem can be read here: TAM O’SHANTER, A TALE
A straightforward explanation of the poem can be found here: Wikipedia
To read more stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
67 responses to “TAM, IN HONOUR OF RABBIE BURNS”
You and CE are doing wir Rabbie proud
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Thanks Neil
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Nice take on this Iain. I am getting your interview up .
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Thanks Shehanne, looking forward to seeing it.
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it’s up Iain.
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Thank so much Shehanne, what a good laugh it is 🙂 Great job.
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Yes, I thought it was a little long, but I wasn’t bored. When it’s Robert Burns’ birthday, well, what can you say? Anyway, good story. I’m a poetry appreciator so this was something I liked. It seems we all (so far) wrote about love in some way. I guess we guys are kind of getting mushy, to which Burns would have written about, too.
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Thanks for allowing the extra words. If ever there’s a day when brauny Scottish menfolk can write mushy romance it’s today! 🙂
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I’ll take a tot of whiskey and give a toast to Robbie and you.
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Here’s tae ye!
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I’m truly sorry man’s dominion,
Has broken nature’s social union,
An’ justifies that ill opinion,
Which makes thee startle
At me, thy poor, earth-born companion,
An’ fellow-mortal!
And how. Nice work.
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I remember having to recite this one at school when I was younger, I don’t think I had a clue what it meant at the time. Thanks
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Whoops. I don’t think she is going to be happy with him at all. If he survives that is.
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I suspect he has made the same journey a few times in similar conditions, but at some point it won’t end well. Thanks Al.
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We’ll let it slide. This time. 😉 It is Robbie Burns birthday, after all.
And his drunken ass would not be welcomed if this is a more than regular ritual…
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Thanks Dale – it’s a while since I’ve gone over, I will aim to be under next week to compensate! 😉
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Nah…. you can keep it at 100, no need to compensate!
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🙂
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Your account’s overdrawn now. I’ll be expecting a story in 25 words next week. That’s Clark Gable’s birthday, by the way.
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Thanks Sandra *hangs head in shame*
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That Tam was a cheeky fellow, always full of mischief – and I get the feeling he’ll be in serious trouble agaon now! A nice piece of whimsy and so fitting for the night 🙂
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Thanks Lynn – can’t ignore the day as a Scottish writer! 🙂
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🙂
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The modern day bard…I’m sure it’s a good picture of what he might have been in 2017!
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Would be nice to think so – although hopefully learned his lesson about the drink driving! Thanks Paul
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I think I like this story a lot more on the page than I would if I were Kate! Well done, and just right for the day, it seems.
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Thanks Joy 🙂
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You know I love me some poetry. So, word count be damned! This time. : ) Don’t tell Rochelle I said that.
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Thanks, still bracing myself for my telling off….!
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Mind you don’t sass her.
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I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Loved that he talked to his car like he would talk to his horse.
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Thanks, it seemed like the only way to tie the prompt into something written in the 18th century. Glad you liked it.
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Dear Iain,
I’ve debated all day whether or not to say anything. I do love poetry and have a special spot in my heart for Robert Burns. However, I was a bit put out by your timing. You may or may not have noticed my note at the top of my page just below the FF instructions concerning overage of words. Last week one writer posted a story on her page that was 220 words long. Like Sandra said, you’re only allowed 25 next week. Not really. You’re a regular participant and a decent writer. Two things I’d rather not lose.
I maintain that if you really wanted to, you could trim that story, good one though it is, down a wee bit
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have to confess to missing your note by skimming over the start of the prompt this week. Apologies. As a challenge and penance I will take up the challenge of a 25 word epic next week. Iain.
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This I’ve got to see… 🙂
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🙂
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a well-written story. that said, he might be sleeping on the couch tonight. 🙂
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I think so, or in his car 🙂
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Home drunk, car all banged up, a fugitive from the law… 🙂
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A typical night out in Ayrshire… 🙂
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It’s a bit long this week. 🙂 But I liked it
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I have been scolded already 😦 At least you liked it 🙂
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Goodness, didn’t mean to scold you. I was just rethinking my own story, thinking my word count was wrong. LOL
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Don’t go over the 100 words, Rochelle’s taking no prisoners this week…!
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As you know, English is not my first language -it’s not even my second language. For me it’s a beautiful torture to cut myself short. It helps me to focus when I have to tell a story in 100 words. Quite a challenge!
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We’ve been smacked on the wrist this week for going over the limit. Goody two-shoes (me) has only ever exceeded by one or two. Rabbie Burns is the best excuse I’ve seen so far.
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Thanks Liz – in my defence I don’t think I’ve ever strayed too far over the limit in however many months I’ve been contributing, but lesson learned 😦
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Hilarious. Not frightened of police, but of Kate! Ha, ha, ha! Every man should be!
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Exactly 🙂
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I rather like that Tam. He seems a lovable sort.
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A charming rogue indeed.
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Nice take and I enjoyed the interview
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Thanks Michael, I think I was overshadowed by the hamsters…. 🙂
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I forgive particularly in light of the delightful Burn night I enjoyed this year – in England!
Click to read my story!
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Thanks Keith
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Iain, it’s certainly a very Scottish, “spirited”, and funny story. I guess that drunken people can get a bit long-winded at times. The discipline of a 25-word sober story will be most interesting after this, and I look forward to you doing your penance next week 😉
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Thanks Sarah 🙂
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Forgiven for the overage of words as they made the story very enjoyable.
I don’t believe his drunken behavoior will be forgiven if it’s happened too many times before. But, one never knows, does one?? I enjoyed this a lot.
Isadora 😎
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Thanks, I don’t think he will get away with his behaviour either 🙂
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Another great piece and nice tribute to Robert Burns. I think Kate is probably not going to be so thrilled to be dealing with a dead drunk, although, the fact the police caught him drinking and driving and being a menace on the roads and the ticket accompanying this, might make her even angrier. I don’t think she’ll mind how badly he’s hungover the next day. She’ll think he deserves it!
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I think she might do everything she can to make his hangover worse, like making a lot of noise round the house 🙂
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I think he’ll be in a spot of bother when he gets home. 25 words is a must-see!
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Thanks Clare, we’ll see how it goes!
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Well, now I understand why I have read two Rabbie Burns stories in the span of a few minutes!
Good one.
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Thanks Dawn
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A fitting tribute to Robert Burns, Iain. Good whimsical writing. He’ll certainly be in trouble. 😀 — Suzanne
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Thanks Suzanne 🙂
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