 | |
Unofficial national anthem of Scotland | |
| Lyrics | Roy Williamson, 1966–1967 |
|---|---|
| Music | Roy Williamson, 1966—1967 |
| Published | 1967 |
| Audio sample | |
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards version | |
"Flower of Scotland" (Scottish Gaelic: Flùr na h-Alba, Scots: Flouer o Scotland) is a Scottish patriotic song commonly used as an unofficial national anthem of Scotland. Written sometime in the mid-1960s by folk musician Roy Williamson, its lyrics describe the victory of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, over Edward II, King of England, at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Owing to its historical basis in the Wars of Scottish independence, the song urges contemporary Scots to rise again as an independent nation and remember the day their ancestors deterred Edward's English invaders.[1] Notable for its association with supporters of the Scottish national football team and Scottish national rugby union team, "Flower of Scotland" is one of the most popular sporting anthems in Europe.[2][3]
- ^ "Scotland's National Anthem: What is the Scottish National Anthem and why was it chosen? Lyrics and origins". The Scotsman. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "EUROS 2024: Scotland has the most streamed national anthem". North Edinburgh News. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ "Scotland already have one thing over England: their pre-game anthem". the Telegraph. Retrieved 3 July 2024.