“Bide a start wi’ Me”, a digitally re-mastered CD of the late Rhoda Bulter reciting her poems in Shetland dialect will be available early December from Bleatbeat Records, Shetland.

The original 1976 vinyl release, “Bide a start wi’ Me” by Schulze MacLaren Ltd, followed publication of Rhoda Bulter’s first book of Shetland poetry. Its re-release as a CD has been initiated by Rhoda’s widower, Dennis Bulter in collaboration with Bleatbeat Records.

The poetry and dialect writing of Rhoda Bulter (1929 – 1994) became well known through publication of her writing in The New Shetlander and Shetland Life magazines; her four poetry books, record and cassette; and her radio and TV appearances. Her literary talent, combined with her personality and knowledge of Shetland gained her respect internationally.

Rhoda Bulter’s writing was driven by her strong Christian faith, rich sense of humour and great passion for Shetland - its people, customs and native tongue; and its landscape and nature. She wrote almost exclusively in Shetland dialect, which she sought to promote and preserve to encourage appreciation of Shetland culture and the values it represented. She has been described as “one of Shetland’s best loved poets”, a “gifted writer”, and “one of the greatest champions of its dialect and culture”.

The Bulter family hopes that this re-release of “Bide a start wi’ Me”, 30 years since its original recording, will ensure Rhoda’s poetry may continue to be enjoyed, and that her passion for the dialect may be sustained. The recorded poems are especially important so that the dialect can be heard, and Rhoda’s family hopes that further recordings will be released in the near future. Re-publication of Rhoda’s poetry books – “Shaela”; “A Nev Foo A Coarn”; “Link-stanes”; and “Snyvveries” is being pursued, supplemented with more of her poems, including some as yet unpublished.

Marvin Smith of BleatBeat Records said "We are delighted to be releasing this work by of Rhoda Bulter. These recordings are not only vital to the heritage of Shetland but also for the future of the dialect ".