Bonnie Dundee

John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee, 1648 - 1689 (nicknamed "Bonnie Dundee"). Miniature by David Paton, made between 1660 and 1695. Displayed by the National Galleries of Scotland.

Bonnie Dundee is the title of a poem and a song written by Walter Scott in 1825 in honour of John Graham, 7th Laird of Claverhouse, who was created 1st Viscount Dundee in November 1688, then in 1689 led a Jacobite rising in which he died, becoming a Jacobite hero.[1]

The older tune Bonny Dundee adapted by Scott had already been used for several songs appearing under variations of that title and referring to the bonnie town of Dundee rather than to Claverhouse.[2] Scott's song has been used as a regimental march by several Scottish regiments in the British Army, as well as the official Canter for the Royal Horse Artillery.

  1. ^ Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Dundee, John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 08 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 672–674.
  2. ^ Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Dundee" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 08 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 674–676, see page 676, second para. It may be mentioned that to describe Claverhouse himself as "bonnie Dundee" is a modern invention, the old song from which Sir Walter Scott borrowed a hint for his refrain referring solely to the town.