Many readers will be aware of the song 'The Green Oak Tree', but it's possible few know of its origin.

It was written by a music hall singer called Harry Linn, who was well known throughout Scotland and further afield.

Linn, whose real name was Alexander Crawford, was born in Greenock in 1844, although I have also seen the date given as 1846.

When Linn died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in 1890, an obituary in the Professional Gazette and Advertiser appeared to suggest he did not have great talent in any single area of entertainment, but acknowledged his enthusiasm and the popularity of his performances.

It said: "He could neither sing, dance, write songs, nor declaim a speech on stage, yet he essayed the trial of all four with a boundlessness of confidence which was only equalled by the appreciative applause of his audiences." Thousands turned out to pay their respects when Linn was laid to rest in Edinburgh's Newington Cemetery on Sunday 15 June 1890.

Here are his words to 'The Green Oak Tree': I'll sing about a wee bit toon that stands upon the Clyde, It is the toon whaur I was born, it fills my heart wi' pride, My mither often telt me as she crooned me on her knee, That Greenock took its name frae the Green Oak Tree.

Chorus: Here's to the Green Oak that grew at the Square, Here's to its roots that are still slumb'ring there, Here's to my toonsmen whaure'er they may be, I'm proud that I'm a branch o' the Green Oak Tree.

May Greenock like the Green Oak Tree still flourish 'neath the sun, Her trade and commerce still increase for a thousand years to come, And may each son of Greenock as he battles thro' life's storm, Be honest, true and ne'er disgrace the toon whaur he was born.

Noo, Greenock's no' a bonnie toon I've heard some people complain, And ithers say when they go there, they nothing see but rain, But let them say whate'er they may, wi' them I'll no agree, For aye the name of o' Greenock toon shall still be dear to me.