There are many elements to Scotland’s national identity, from the legendary hills of the Highlands to the famed foods of haggis, neeps and tatties, Cullen skink, and of course shortbread. However, equally rich is their traditional music, which for centuries has not lost cultural relevance like it has in parts of England. A distinguishing feature of Scottish traditional music comes from the instruments, in particular the highland bagpipes; the repertoire for which is varied, plentiful, and somewhat niche, however there are some Scottish songs and tunes you may be more familiar with.

For the sports fans, you’ll be used to hearing “Flower of Scotland”, used as the unofficial anthem of the Scottish national football and rugby teams. Although the lyrics are historical and focus on the wars of Scottish independence, in particular the 1314 Battle of Bannockburn, it might be surprising to learn that it was written in the mid 1960s by Roy Williamson of the Scottish folk band, The Corries. Although not officially recognised as the national anthem of Scotland, many people prefer it to “God Save the King”, potentially due to a rather disparaging verse including the lines:

And like a torrent rush,
Rebellious Scots to crush,
God save the King!

A little more romantic is the song “Wild Mountain Thyme”, which is based on “The Braes of Balquhither”, the lyrics for which were written by Scottish poet Robert Tannahill (1774–1810), set to music by Robert Archibald Smith (1780-1829). Originally published in the early nineteenth century, the now somewhat forgotten original has been overshadowed by the version we know and love, written by Francis McPeake (1885–1971), who supposedly wrote it for his first marriage. However, not only was McPeake Irish, not Scottish, but wild thyme, as well as being a staple in the Scottish Highlands, is also prevalent in south-east England.