Scotland the Brave

Unofficially adopted as the National Anthem for Scotland, such is its popularity.

The tune appears to date from about 1890’s when it was published in Norman Macdonald’s Gesto Collection of Highland Music under the title "Scotland for Ever” although the sentiment dates back to at least the 1820s. It is always listed as “Traditional”: in other words no one knows for certain who actually composed the tune.

The lyrics make no mention of wars against the English and read more as a reflection of Scots brave exploits coupled with a yearning for home. As such they more accurately reflect the emotional reflections of a Scottish soldier serving in the British army far from his highland home, although it is not in any way melancholic in its tone.

The Black Bear

There are rumours that the origins of the piece stem from a sailor’s hornpipe and rhythmically, there is certainly a gentle swing that could indicate navel connections. It is thought that The Black Bear is probably over one hundred years old but the composer of the piece is not known.

Amazing Grace

Written in 1779 to the words of the Christian poet John Newton.

This video includes vocal introduction by Emma Brown in Buchanan tartan; United Pipers for Peace, 1918-2018, was a gathering of around 400 bagpipers from across the globe to commemorate the centenary of the armistice of the First World War. Pipe Major Tom Jamieson and the massed bands led by Drum Major Derek Dean.

The hymn is a devotional one with themes of redemption and hope that find a resonance even in today’s more secularized society.

Loch Lomond

In the early 1700s Prince Charles Stuart of France was sent to gather an army and win back the crown of Scotland and England that King James II had lost 57 years earlier. At first many Scottish rushed to his support and in November of 1745 crossed the English boarders with around 6000 men. But his luck soon turned. He did not recieve any support from the local population as he hoped he would and had to turn back with England at his knees. On April 16, 1747, the Jacobite (Supporters of Prince Stuart) forces were slaughtered at the Battle of Culloden in Scotland, the last battle ever to be fought on British soil. The prince escaped and spent the rest of his life in exile. The song itself was written by a Jacobite prisoner after the defeat at Culloden. Sure that he was to be executed by his English capturers while his fellow prisoner was to be released, he wrote that his spirit would return to Scotland on the low road (the spirit world of death) much faster than his comrade on the high road.

The Skye Boat Song

Much speculation surrounds this song with more than a sprinkling of romance. Following the 1745 Jacobite uprising,  Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated and needed to flee to safety. It was supposed that Flora MacDonald to whom the song is attributed rescued The Prince and guided him to safety on the Isle of Skye. This is allegedly nothing more than a Victorian development of the actual facts in order to weave a sweet love story between the Prince and Miss MacDonald that never took place.

According to The Scottish History Society’s account of the occasion, (1885), Miss MacDonald did row with the Prince to Skye on what was reportedly a terrible journey. To keep up moral The Prince sung a number of songs but none of which were The Skye Boat Song. In fact, the claim is MacDonald fell asleep and was guarded by The Prince until they arrived safely at their destination. After this they never met again, nor was Miss MacDonald ever rewarded for her part in The Prince’s escape.

Paul McCartney & Wings - Mull of Kintyre

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers; with a masterful mash of traditional and modern together and brought bagpipes to the 21st Century, with a new style they call 'Bagrock'. 

And the iconic “Long way to the Top” by the Scottish/Australian band: AC/DC; with Bon Scott playing bagpipes on the back of a truck in the Sydney CBD….

The Banks of Spey 

A Strathspey written by William Marshall. The Spey is the swiftest-flowing river in Scotland, famous for its fishing and salmon runs.