As well as instilling fear in the enemies of the British Empire it would raise the moral of those they were coming to relieve. By the late 19th century the sound of the pipes was universally recognised as a precursor to the arrival of Scottish regiments whose military prowess was well known throughout the world. As such they more accurately reflect the emotional reflections of a Scottish soldier serving in the British army far from his highland home although it is not in any way melancholic in its tone. The lyrics make no mention of wars against the English and read more as a reflection of Scots brave exploits coupled with a yearning for home.

The song soon became popular with Scots people and was quickly adopted as an unofficial national anthem. The lyrics to Scotland The Brave were written by Scottish journalist, writer, author, songwriter, raconteur, after dinner speaker, historian and broadcaster Cliff Hanley (1923-1999) in 1951 for performer, producer and music shop owner Robert Wilson who needed a song to close the act of his performance at a Christmas Scottish review musical show at the Glasgow Empire Theatre. It appeared widely in pipe repertoires from around the turn of the 19th/20th century. In other words no one knows for certain who actually composed the tune. Further Information: The tune, a pipe tune, is always listed as 'Traditional'. This name was probably made to acknowledge the fact that 500-600 years ago Scotland fought England to try and remain independent.

Scotland the brave lyrics