In March 1932 there had been several letters published in the Aberdeen Press & Journal newspaper about ensuring that Scots language and literature was taught in Scottish Schools. This had been prompted by the publication on 15 and 16 March 1932 of two articles by William Will based on a talk he had given on 14 March at the Vernacular Circle, of which he was Secretary.
Barrowsgate wrote a letter to the paper under the pseudonym “Fair Scunnert”, which poked fun at William Will for using the English language to write about preserving the Doric language. “Fat’s the Venacular Clubbie fer, bit tae gie the puir exile members the chance tae speak and be spoken tae I’ their mither tongue”.
He then followed up with this verse, pouring scorn on Scots who don’t use their own language which was published in the Letters section of the Aberdeen Press & Journal on 29 March 1932.