The tragic life of a young woman, the exploits of a leading Jacobite supporter and the tranquil final journey of Scotland’s ancient monarchs are just some of the stories which lie behind the songs in our upcoming concert on Sunday 21st May, Scout & Guide Hall, Strathaven. https://www.wegottickets.com/event/578919
The Iona Boat Song
The haunting melody fills my mind with images of Saint Columba welcoming his singing monks (all tenors) as they row a recently deceased king to the Island. The Church of Scotland is less romantic and probably more accurate.
The ‘Iona Boat Song’ is possibly a traditional Gaelic song; some say the words, relating to the rowing of the bodies of kings across to their burial place on Iona, were by the early 19th-century Rev John MacLeod, minister of Morven, but a 1950 book of songs claims authorship for Sir Hugh Roberton, founder of the Glasgow Orpheus Choir; it is possible there was more than one set of lyrics. Gaelic boat songs kept the rowers together as they worked.
The Church of Scotland Hymnary
The Piper o’ Dundee
Long lies in bed in 17th century Dundee must have been few and far between because the Burgh appointed – and paid – a piper to play every day at 4 in the morning and again at 8 in the evening.
However, The Piper o’ Dundee was also the nickname of Graham of Claverhouse, a leading Jacobite who raised funds and an army and he reportedly led the troops of King William a merry dance. Dundee’s troops gained an unexpected victory at Killiecrankie but it was there that our Piper met his demise.
Pipers’Tales oddscotland.com
Ye Banks and Braes
It is Robert Burns who brings to us a tale of tragic love. His words are inspired by the true story of Peggy Kennedy of Wigtownshire who was seduced and abandoned by the son of a wealthy family and sometime member of Parliament. Peggy set out to obtain justice by seeking a ‘declarator of marriage’ and the Courts upheld her case. Sadly she died before the outcome of a successful appeal by Andrew MacDouall (sic?) . However, the court found him to be the father of Peggy’s child and ordered that he pay £3,000 towards her upbringing.
The Banks o’ Doon, Wikipedia
You can hear Strathaven Choral Society sing these and lots more on Sunday 21st May, 7pm, Scout & Guide Hall, Strathaven with special guest Robyn Stapleton.
More info: Concerts
Buy Tickets: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/578919