Several works by William Topaz McGonagall, widely regarded as the worst poet in the English-speaking world, are to be recited for the first time in more than 100 years in Dundee.

The Edinburgh-born self educated weaver has a special place on Tayside where he spent most of his working life.

Dundee was the setting for his infamous readings and recitals, which often resulted in him being pelted with peas, flour and eggs as the local audience showed their appreciation for his poetic "gems".

Several poems that never made it into publication will be recited in public at the annual Ig Nobel Awards show in the city, which celebrate unusual or eccentric research projects.

The poet and tragedian, who died in 1902, published over 200 works in his lifetime, but his most noted work is The Tay Rail Bridge Disaster, which he wrote in tribute to the victims of the 1879 tragedy.

The opening lines of the poem are often highlighted for their lack of poetic skill:

"Beautiful Railway Bridge of the Silv'ryTay!

Alas! I am very sorry to say

That ninety lives have been taken away

On the last Sabbath day of 1879,

Which will be remember'd for a verylong time."

IN DETAIL

• More information on the Ig Nobel Awards show