NATIONAL SONG FOR SCOTS

Southland Times, Issue 24861, 29 September 1942, Page 6

NATIONAL SONG FOR SCOTS

Scots in many parts of the world are taking steps to secure the adoption of “The Road to The Isles” as one of the national marching songs of the Empire. It was written for the men of the last war in France. In line with other similar organizations, the Southland Piping and Dancing Association has adopted the song as its anthem and it will be heard at all its gatherings. An appealing poem and one of the most gallant of melodies, “The Road to The Isles” was written by Kenneth McLeod, a talented collector of poetry, lore and tradition of the Hebrides. The lyric was written for singing. Since the last war it has spread through the world and has become a firm favourite with Scots. Queen Elizabeth, when Duchess of York, said it was the most beautiful Scottish song since the days of Burns, and Lady Nairne and she urged that it be cultivated everywhere as one of the national songs of Scotland and the Empire. The song features in a tragic story of gallantry in the recent Battle of Malaya. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders went into battle 900 strong. About 80 returned. The battalion was reinforced to full strength and went into action again. When the remnants of the force next took “The Road to The Isles”—when they marched to pipe music across the causeway to Singapore Island—only 20 remained.