We prepare to have “a glass o’ whisky punch wi’ honest men” on Burns Night, accompanied by a forkful of historic ceremonies and sentiment
Folk Songs
King George IV Visits Scotland in 1822
When Sir Walter Scott was tasked with planning the first visit to Scotland by a reigning monarch, King George IV, in almost two centuries,…
Folk songs: The Skye Boat song
We explore the origins of Scottish folk song, The Skye Boat Song, a popular if rather sentimentalised air
Folk songs: Sir James the Rose
Our new folk songs series continues with a look at a tragic story between Sir James the Rose and a lady named Matilda. Was Sir James a real person and, if so, when and where did he live?
Folk songs: The Haughs O’Cromdale
This Jacobite song claims victory against Cromwell, but is that really what happened or is this a case of artistic licence?