Traditional Scottish Songs
- Bonnie Strathyre

Here is a song about one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland (yes, I know, they are all beautiful) Strathyre, in the heart of Rob Roy country. The words are by Sir Harold Boulton to a traditional air called "Taymputh." Ben Vorlich - the Ben of the Fairies - is 3,200 feet high and is a popular spot for hill walkers.


Bonnie Strathyre

There's meadows in Lanark and mountains in Skye,

And pastures in Hielands and Lowlands forbye;
But there's nae greater luck that the heart could desire
Than to herd the fine cattle in bonnie Strathyre.

O' it's up in the morn and awa' to the hill,

When the lang simmer days are sae warm and sae still,
Till the peak O' Ben Vorlich is girdled wi' fire,
And the evenin' fa's gently on bonnie Strathyre.

Then there's mirth in the sheiling and love in my breast,

When the sun is gane doun and the kye are at rest;
For there's mony a prince wad be proud to aspire
To my winsome wee Maggie, the pride O' Strathyre.

Her lips are like rowans in ripe simmer seen,

And mild as the starlicht the glint o' her e'en;
Far sweeter her breath than the scent o' the briar,
And her voice is sweet music in bonnie Strathyre.

Set Flora by Colin, and Maggie by me,

And we'll dance to the pipes swellin' loudly and free,
Till the moon in the heavens climbing higher and higher
Bids us sleep on fresh brackens in bonnie Strathyre.

Though some in the touns o' the Lowlands seek fame,

And some will gang sodgerin' far from their hame;
Yet I'll aye herd my cattle, and bigg my ain byre,
And love my ain Maggie in bonnie Strathyre.

Return to the Index of Traditional Scottish Songs



Where else would you like to go in Scotland?








Separator line