Scots! Wha Hae - by Robert Burns
25 January 2001
Robert Burns.
Poet of Scotland.
1759 - 1796
Robert Burns' roots were deep in the North East of Scotland, his forbears having farmed the lands of Bogjorgan in Kincardineshire and Brawlinmuir in Glenbervie. His grandfather rented the farm of Clockenhill, near Dunottar, Stonehaven. William Burness the poet's father left the Mearns (Kincardineshire) in 1740, finally settling in Ayrshire and marrying Agnes Brown of Carrick in 1757. On 25th January 1759 a son was born to William and Agnes who was later to become Robert Burns, 'Poet Of Scotland'.
The poetry and songs of Burns, affectionately known as 'Rabbie Burns' or 'The Bard', are loved the world over. The story of his short but full life is well known to lovers of his works. He was a man with freedom of spirit and a love for his fellow man and, without doubt, women were also a great inspiration in his life and works.
It is hard to choose one of the Bard's works. I have chosen a popular verse with Burns reflecting on the theme of liberty and independence.
On this memorable anniversary toasts shall be drank in honour of 'The Bard 'and 'To Burn's Clubs The World O'er'. A speech is delivered in honour of 'The Lasses' (Ladies) and another toast drank. A speech in reply, usually amusing and interesting, is then given by one of the 'Lasses' present. Amongst the evening's entertainment the 'Address Tae The Haggis' along with 'The Selkirk Grace' is delivered. Songs, music and dancing continues throughout 'Burns Nicht' and finally, all present join hands and the celebrations end with the singing of 'Auld Lang Syne' (Times Gone Bye).
May Peace and Brotherly Love be with us all
Some hae meat and canna eat
And some wad eat that want it
But we hae meat and we can eat
And sae the Lord be thankit.
King Robert The Bruces Address to his Scottish Troops before the Battle with the English Army at the Battle of Bannockburn near Stirling, Scotland, 1314.
Robert Burns wrote in 1793. A thought during my yesternight's evening walk warmed me to a pitch of enthusiasm on the theme of liberty and independence that one might suppose to be the gallant royal Scot's address to his herioc followers on that eventful morning in history, on the field of Bannockburn.
Burns, on visiting the battleground in 1787 noted in his memorandum book :- the hole in the stone where glorious Bruce set his Standard. "Here no Scot can pass uninterested. In fancy, I can see my gallant, herioc countrymen, coming o'er the hill and down upon the plunderers of their country, the murderers of their fathers; noble revenge glowing in every vein, riding and striding more and more eagerly as they approach the oppresive, insulting and bloodthirsty foe! I see them in triumphant congratulation on the victorious field, exulting in their herioc Royal Leader, and rescued liberty and independence!"
"SCOTS! WHA HAE"
Scots! wha hae wi' Wallace bled
Scots wham Bruce has aften led,
Welcome to your gory bed
Or to victory!
Now's the day, and now's the hour;
See the front o' battle lour;
See approach proud Edward's power
Chains and slavery!
Wha will be a traitor knave?
Wha can fill acoward's grave?
Wha sae base as be a slave?
Let him turn and flee!
Wha for Scotland's King and Law
Freedom's sword will strongly draw?
Freeman stand, or freeman fa'?
Let him on wi' me!
By oppression's woes and pains!
By your sons in servile chains!
We will drain our dearest veins,
But they shall be free!
Lay the proud usurpers low!
Tyrants fall in every foe!
Liberty's in every blow! -
Let us do or die!
So may God defend the cause of truth and liberty,
as He did that day!
Amen.
The song is sung in Scotland and America and all over the World and is seldom allowed to close an evening of Scottish expatriate entertainment without a popular demand for it.
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While I remember our Scottish heroes and am also Scottish by birth I also take great pride in being British. Like many others, I have lost relatives and friends during past wars. Most served in Scottish Highland Regiments such as The 42nd Royal Highlanders, "The Black Watch", which is the Senior Highland Regiment of the British Army, and I am proud of that. During World War 2, many different regiments trained in Brechin and District. Looking at an autograph book which many of us carried during those years, amongst the names of British, Canadian and Polish troops, and even German Army prisoners of war during and after the years of conflict. One message especially stands out, signed by a Polish Soldier who trained as a military radio operator and was billeted in the former North Port Distillery where me and my pals went instead of going to school at times. The message says simply,
"To Eric, from Stanislaw, October, 1941.
"Be A Good Scotsman, and, A Great Britisher"".