Flower of Scotland

Flower of Scotland is widely regarded as Scotland's unofficial national anthem. This is highly unusual, as it is not a traditional song at all, but was actually written in 1970 by Roy Williamson of the folk band, The Corries. It was later adopted as the official anthem of the Scottish rugby and football teams. The song speaks of the defeat of King Edward II of England by the Scottish forces under Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Like England, Scotland has no official national anthem, but this may change in the near future as the Scottish Parliament is considering declaring Flower of Scotland as the official national anthem.

O flower of Scotland

When will we see your like again

That fought and died for

Your wee bit hill and glen

And stood against him

Proud Edward's army

And sent him homeward

Tae think again

The hills are bare now

And autumn leaves lie thick and still

O'er land that is lost now

Which those so dearly held

And stood against him

Proud Edward's army

And sent him homeward

Tae think again

Those days are passed now

And in the past they must remain

But we can still rise now

And be the nation again

That stood against him

Proud Edward's army

And sent him homeward

Tae think again