Is 'The Flower of Scotland' Sung in English or Scots?

The Flower of Scotland is a beloved song that captures the spirit of Scottish pride and heritage. Often mistakenly called Scotland's national anthem, it is a symbolic and widely-recognized tune for Scottish unity, but it does not hold an official status due to Scotland's current political status not as an independent nation.

is a collection of linguistic influences, with English being the most dominant. The Flower of Scotland song is typically written and sung in English, fascinatingly incorporating a few Scots dialect words and phrases.

Composition and Language of the Song

The lyrics of the song read as follows:

O Flower of Scotland
When will we see
Your like again
That fought and died for
Your wee bit Hill and Glenn
And stood against him against whom
Proud Edward's Army
And sent him homeward tae think again. The Hills are bare now
And Autumn leaves
Lie thick and still
Over land that is lost now
Which those so dearly held
That stood against him against whom
Proud Edward's Army
And sent him homeward tae think again. Those days are past now
And in the past they must remain
But we can still rise now
And be the nation again
That stood against him against whom
Proud Edward's Army
And sent him homeward tae think again.

This poetic composition beautifully illustrates the Scottish struggle and pride. It is designed for various occasions, including sports events, to rally around a common sense of pride and heritage.

The Scots Language and Other Linguistic Influences

The is not the only language spoken in Scotland. The Scots language, which has a rich history and is distinct from yet overlapping with English, is another significant linguistic influence. Additionally, Scottish Gaelic, another native language spoken in Scotland, is recognized but used less frequently than Scots or English.

According to recent statistics, the languages of Scotland are as follows:

English: 99% Scots: 3% Scottish Gaelic: 1.1%

It's important to note that the English spoken in Scotland can have a distinctive accent that may not be fully understood by visitors, especially those from the South West.

Conclusion

The Flower of Scotland is a symbol of Scottish identity and heritage, known for its moving and celebrated lyrics. Although not officially recognized as Scotland's national anthem, its popularity as a song celebrating patriotism and pride showcases the linguistic diversity of Scotland. Whether sung in English, Scots, or Scottish Gaelic, this moving tune continues to resonate with millions of Scots and fans of the Scottish spirit.