Jun 20, 2025
My Dear and Only Love
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My Dear and Only Love
These are my favourite pictures of Roy (:
One of the most significant battles in Scottish history, the Battle of Bannockburn, ended on June 24, 1314, when the outnumbered Scottish forces under Robert the Bruce defeated Edward II’s English host. The battle had begun the day before, when Edward’s troops arrived at the Scots royal fortress Stirling Castle, which was under English control and besieged by Scottish forces. The first day of battle consisted of skirmishes involving the English cavalry, but included Robert the Bruce defeating Henry de Bohun in single combat. That night, the English army crossed the Bannock Burn stream to advance on the Scots, who were ready for them. In the pitched battle that ensued, the Scots wreaked havoc on the English men, leading Edward to flee, and the surviving English to retreat, after losing an estimated 11,000 of their 16,000 infantrymen. The crushing English defeat during the First War of Scottish Independence became immortalized in song, most notably being in the chorus of "Flower of Scotland.” While Scotland does not have an official anthem, the song is often treated as such (along with “Scots Wha Hae” and “Scotland the Brave”). “Flower of Scotland” was written by Roy Williamson, lead singer of the folk group the Corries, who released the song in 1965.
O well may I weep for yestreen in my sleep We stood bride and bridegroom together But his arms and his breath were as cold as the death And his heart's blood ran red in the heather
Been having a bit of talk about Scotland's upcoming vote on independence. Which I am in favor of. The vote that is. It needs to be done to prove that Scotland belongs to the Scottish people. Whether or not they choose to stay in the United Kingdom is up to them and no one else.
This song has become a sort of national anthem for Scotland, especially at rugby matches. You would think it an old tune, but it was actually written by Roy Williamson of the Corries. Classic and masterful songwriting. Definitely should become the anthem since Scotland has no official one.
The connection to the tonight's theme here is that it is a Jacobite song, lamenting the loss but also looking forward hopefully. The Corries are one the best things to come from English imperialism in a way.
I always forget how weird the original version of Flower of Scotland sounds- still great, but strange, even compared to later Corries versions. Mind you, this was the first version I remember hearing, even before going to the rugby as a kid, so I can't complain.
*Obviously not my video