Is 'Flower of Scotland' a national disgrace, as alleged in today's Herald?

http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlin....var.1708988.0.0.php

If so, which national anthem would more accurately reflect modern Scottish culture and society?

I must confess that I'm stuck for an answer, and 'Scotland the Brave' reminds me too much of the singing shortbread tin.

Robin T Cox wrote:
Is 'Flower of Scotland' a national disgrace, as alleged in today's Herald?

If so, which national anthem would more accurately reflect modern Scottish culture and society?

I must confess that I'm stuck for an answer, and 'Scotland the Brave' reminds me too much of the singing shortbread tin.

I wouldn't go as far as call it a disgrace, the original by the Corries was a decent enough song but hardly an anthem - it was never written as such. It isn't helped by the fact that the bagpipes can't play the "Tae think again" line because of their scale limitations, or the brass band "Oom-pah-pah" arrangement that seems to be sadly prevalent when it's played at sporting occasions.

I agree with your point about Scotland the Brave, it conjures up images of Andy Stewart and the Bruce McClure dancers.

I like "Highland Cathedral" and I've heard tell someone's written lyrics for it - but I've never heard them so I can't comment.

The trouble is you'll never please everyone, so it's a right poisoned chalice for someone to take on.

dws wrote:


I like "Highland Cathedral" and I've heard tell someone's written lyrics for it - but I've never heard them so I can't comment.



Take your pick from what may be the "official" version:


Land of our fathers, we will always be
Faithful and loyal to our own country.
In times of danger, we will set you free.
Lead you to glory and to victory.

Hail, Caledonia, to our ancient prayer.
In this Highland Cathedral, let our standards, bear.
Joining, together, with one dream to share.
God bless the people of this land so fair.

CHORUS

Gone is the past, let us start anew.
Let this hope of peace, always remain.
Spirit of Scotia, be strong and true.
Then your children will smile again, again, again, again.

Rise, Caledonia, let your voices ring
In this Highland Cathedral of our God and King.
Whom, joy and liberty, to all, will bring.
Come; let your heart, with love and courage, sing.

CHORUS

Lonely the exile, o'er distant seas,
The home of their birth, gone from their eyes.
Bring back their souls o'er the ocean breeze
To the land where their fathers lie.

REPEAT LAST VERSE.

Ben Kelly

or this one

There is a land far from this distant shore
Where heather grows and Highland Eagles soar
There is a land that will live ever more
Deep in my heart, my Bonnie Scotland Highland Cathedral - the song

Though I serve so far away
I still see your streams, cities and dreams
I can`t wait until the day
When I`ll come home once more Highland Cathedral - the song

So Lord keep me from the harm of war
Through all the dangers and the battles roar
Keep me safe until I`m home once more
Home to my own in Bonnie Scotland

Terry Mechan, 1998


Apparently there's another version by Donald Smith but I haven't traced the words.

Ia gree with dws I like Flower of Scotland but I don't think its a great anthem.

Scotland the Brave is a bit to jingoistic but is more uplifting.

My choice? Mmmmm?

"I will go", perhaps or The Braes of Killiekrankie, or Mhairi's Wedding.

Thanks for the lyrics TLJ - I think the first set would suit admirably.

Now all we have to do is teach them to everyone in Scotland and get them to agree to Highland cathedral as a national anthem.

dws wrote:
Thanks for the lyrics TLJ - I think the first set would suit admirably.

Now all we have to do is teach them to everyone in Scotland and get them to agree to Highland cathedral as a national anthem.

I've sung these words at a funeral earlier this year. They're very difficult to fit and some notes are a wee bit on the high side too, so I'm not so sure about it being an anthem.

Of course, a few countries (eg Spain) don't have words to their anthem, they just have music. Perhaps we could to the same as it's a great tune.

From the point of view of the words, I like "A Man's a Man" and it would probably get my vote, but before anyone bites my head off saying it can be dirgey, that would also be my reservation.

Martin wrote:
From the point of view of the words, I like "A Man's a Man" and it would probably get my vote, but before anyone bites my head off saying it can be dirgey, that would also be my reservation.I like your suggestion for "A Man's a Man" Martin, and perhaps its undelying statement of inclusiveness, of all our peoples, here in Scotland.

I think most Scottish tunes can be "a bit dirgey".

I think there's a slightly melancholic (possibly gloomy) side to our character which comes out in our music.

Whilst one might agree with the sentiments of "A Man's a Man" my feminist wife takes great exception to the words and it's difficult to disagree with her. It's also a bit of a dirge as was amply demonstrated by the grisly rendition inflicted on us at the opening of the Parliament.

I don`t know what all the fuss is about.We already have an excellent anthem.its called "THe Queen"

Second yellow card TLJ?????

The Laird, are you suggesting we should choose a new anthem from Queen? How about "I Want To Break Free"?

The Laird wrote:
I don`t know what all the fuss is about.We already have an excellent anthem.its called "THe Queen"

Second yellow card TLJ?????

Altogether:

AND WITH A MIGHTY RUSH, REBELLIOUS SCOTS TO CRUSH.....

Aye, that'll catch on......

The Laird wrote:


Second yellow card TLJ?????

For the avoidance of doubt, I didn't even know you'd got a first one !

www.scotsgait.co.uk/component/option,com...view/id,56/catid,17/