Scotland The Brave (Lyrics)

"Scotland the Brave" (Scottish Gaelic: Alba an Àigh) is a Scottish patriotic song. It was one of several songs considered an unofficial national anthem of Scotland (others being "Flower of Scotland" and "Scots Wha Hae").

History

The tune was first played probably about the beginning of the 20th century, and at that time was known sometimes as "Scotland the Brave!!!" The earliest known version of the song appeared in 1911. The lyrics commonly used presently were written about 1950 by the Scottish journalist Cliff Hanley for the singer Robert Wilson as part of an arrangement by Marion McClurg.

"Scotland the Brave" is also the authorised pipe band march of The British Columbia Dragoons of the Canadian Armed Forces, and also is played during the Pass in Review at Friday parades at The Citadel, and the Virginia Military Institute During 2006, it was adopted as the regimental quick march of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The Scotland national football team used "Scotland the Brave" as its anthem for the 1982, 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cups. "Flower of Scotland" was subsequently adopted by the national football team, after its successful use by the Scotland national rugby union team. “Scotland the Brave” was used as the Scottish anthem at the Commonwealth Games until 2010.

Unofficial national anthem

During June 2006, the song rated second in an online poll with more than 10,000 votes to determine the nation's favourite unofficial anthem, losing only to "Flower of Scotland". The song was used to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Games until it was replaced by "Flower of Scotland" from the 2010 games in Delhi onwards.

Lyrics

Hark when the night is falling
Hear! Hear the pipes are calling,
Loudly and proudly calling,
Down thro' the glen.
There where the hills are sleeping,
Now feel the blood a-leaping,
High as the spirits of the old Highland men.

Towering in gallant fame,
Scotland my mountain hame,
High may your proud standards gloriously wave,
Land of my high endeavour,
Land of the shining river,
Land of my heart for ever,
Scotland the brave.