“Scotland the Brave” (Scottish Gaelic – Alba an Àigh) is a Scottish patriotic song, one of three often considered an unofficial Scottish national anthem (the others being “Flower of Scotland”, and “Scots Wha Hae”).
HistoryThe tune probably originated in the late 19th century., the earliest known printing of the tune was in the Utah Musical Bouquet, January 1878, and the earliest known version printed in Scotland is in The National Choir,1891. The lyrics commonly used now were written about 1950 by Scottish journalist Clifford Leonard Clark “Cliff” Hanley
Scotland the Brave
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.