In 1987, Tam was working on a building site when something happened that changed his life forever. The scaffolding collapsed and Tam fell 20 feet; cracking his skull, breaking ribs and puncturing a lung. In Tam’s own words, “Apart from that, I was alright!”.
For a while his life was going nowhere. He knew he had to change. He sought solace in poetry and has now published more than 30 collections.
Inspired by Robert Burns, Tam’s work takes a contemporary look at Scottish life. It’s sometimes funny, sometimes thought provoking and sometimes tear-jerking – but always from the heart. He’s been interviewed on the radio, is poet-in-residence at the world famous Loch Lomond Shores and regularly performs at festivals across Scotland.
You can find Tam at his stall in Candleriggs Market, Glasgow every weekend. Why not pay him a visit? Tam lives in sheltered housing in East Dunbartonshire. Find out more about our sheltered housing here.