Traditional Scottish Songs
- Fair Edina
Edinburgh's name originated in the ancient Brythonic word "eiddyn" meaning a hill or rock face in the days when it was part of Northumbria. The "burgh" element originally just meant a cluster of houses. The Gaelic name for Edinburgh was "Dun Eideann" (which was exported to New Zealand's Dunedin) where "dun" can mean a fortress. In this song by Charles Nicol, the more poetic name "Edina" is used.
Fair Edina
Fair Edina, oh, classic name,
Scott's own romantic town,
A city with a history
That one is proud to own;
The scenery is magnificent
That on every side you meet,
And law and learning there holds sway
In Scotia's darling seat.Chorus
Then here's to dear "Auld Reekie,"
'Tis Scotia's joy and pride,
And here's to bonnie Firth of Forth,
Where waters softly glide;
May its sons and daughters prosper
Wherever they may be,
And success follow fair Dunedin,
The city by the sea.Auld Edinburgh has given birth
To many worthy sons,
Who've left their names in history
And aye stuck to their guns;
And down in stately Holyrood
Lived Scotland's hapless Queen,
Within its walls hath taken place
Many a stirring scene.Chorus
In famous Princes Street you view
Bright spots on every hand,
And then the noble castle, too,
So majestic and grand.
Sir Walter Scott's fine monument,
And everything complete,
Is all so pleasing to the eye
In Scotia's darling seat.Chorus
Where else would you like to go in Scotland?
