"Scotland the Brave" (Scottish Gaelic: Alba an Aigh) is a patriotic song and one of the main contenders to be considered as a national anthem of Scotland. In June 2006, the song came second to Flower of Scotland in an online poll with more than 10,000 votes to determine the nation's favourite unofficial "anthem".[1] The song is used to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Games.[2]
Scotland the Brave is also the authorised pipe band march of The British Columbia Dragoons of the Canadian Forces and is played during the Pass in Review at Friday parades at The Citadel. In 2006, it was adopted as the regimental quick march of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
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The tune probably first appeared around the turn of the 20th century[3], and at that time was sometimes known as Scotland the Brave. However, the lyrics were written around 1950 by the Scottish journalist Cliff Hanley for the singer Robert Wilson.
| Scotland the Brave - Cliff Hanley Lyrics |
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Hark! When the night is falling Chorus High in the misty Highlands, Chorus Far off in sunlit places, Chorus |
There is another set of lyrics known as 'My Bonnie Lassie'
| My Bonnie Lassie Lyrics |
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Drums in my heart are drummin, Chorus: Somewhere a ship and crew, Chorus Sad are the lads she's leavin, Chorus |
Scottish folk duo The Corries performed the following parody of Scotland the Brave.
| The Corries' Parody |
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Land o' the purple heather. Used to say in faither's day, Land that is full o' skivers, The tourists come here every year Land o' the Kilt and Sporran - Conservatives try to assure us, |
A parody entitled "Scotland the brave.com" was written in the run-up to the 2007 Scottish election. Lyrics have been posted here with permission from the author and performer, Alan Smart. See it performed on Youtube. [1]
| Modern Parody |
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Land o' the purple heather. Land o' tech computer dolls, Land of Mary and Prince Charlie, Land where the fox runs safe, Land of all creeds and colours - James Connolly and John Maclean - |