There is lot's of driving to be done when you are moving between the photography locations on the Isle of Skye. I love to listen to traditional Scottish music while I am travelling as it adds even more to the atmosphere of this beautiful island.
In this post, I'd like to share with you 5 of my favourite Scottish songs that I always keep on my driving playlist. I will also share my favourite cover of each song with a YouTube link and lyrics so you can sing along while driving to another fantastic location.
1. The Skye Boat Song
"The Skye Boat Song" is a late 19th-century Scottish song recalling the journey of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) from Uist to the Isle of Skye as he evaded capture by Government troops after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. This song was brought back to life by the creators of the Outlander series when it was used in the series as the main title theme.
Lyrics: Here
My favorite cover: Noel McLoughlin
2. The Isle of Skye
The Corries were a Scottish folk group created in the 1960s. The group was a trio until 1966 when founder Bill Smith left the band, but Roy Williamson and Ronnie Browne continued as a duo until Williamson's death in 1990. They were closely identified with Jacobite songs, celebrating the final years of clan loyalty and military courage. The 1977 album, Peat Fire Flame, saw the group move towards love songs and celebrations of the landscape and in December 2007, The Corries were inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. The Isle of Skye song was written in 1976 and performed several times on television.
Lyrics: Here
My favorite cover: The Corries
3. Skye
The next song is very popular on the Isle of Skye as it was written and performed by one of the most famous bands formed on the Isle of Skye - Runrig. There is enough written all across the internet about this Scottish Celtic rock band formed on the Isle of Skye in 1973 so make sure you look around to find out more. If you are going to listen to this specific song, you should look for the live version performed by Runrig with their former frontman Donnie Munro.
Lyrics: Here
My favorite cover: Runrig
4. Home on the Sea
The fourth song isn't exactly about the Isle of Skye, but the strong island connection to the sea, boats and ferries makes it very popular. The Home on the Sea is composed and performed by a Scottish band called Skipinnish is also an official song of CalMac ferries - the major operator of passenger and vehicle ferries, and ferry services, between the mainland of Scotland and 22 of the major islands on Scotland's west coast.
Lyrics: Here
My favorite cover: Skipinnish
5. Caledonia
The final song is an absolute must on your "Skye Trip" playlist. Caledonia is a modern Scottish folk ballad written by Dougie MacLean in 1977 and the word "Caledonia" itself being a Latin word for Scotland. The song became the most popular of all MacLean's recordings and something of an anthem for Scotland. "Caledonia" has been covered by a
many artists, but my favourite is still the original live version performed by Maclean.
Lyrics: Here
My favorite cover: Dougie MacLean