For the second episode in the new series of the Scottish Song Guide we’re investigating a song which first appeared very nearly 300 years ago, Dumbarton’s Drums.

This one is almost a tale of two songs, however, as the original version – with words by Allan Ramsay and a tune which has its roots in the early 1600s – differs fairly considerably from the version that most people are familiar with now.

You can listen to the full song on The Sorries album Auld Lang Syne and can hear more of our songs on the major streaming services or by visiting http://thesorries.co.uk

Music featured:

Dumbarton’s Drums (later words & melody) by The Sorries (taken from the album Auld Lang syne – 2012)

Dumbarton’s Drums (original words & melody) by The Sorries (podcast session recording – 2022)

Dumbarton’s Drums (later words & melody) by The Sorries (live recording – 2017)

You can listen to the podcast on all major podcast platforms or by listening in below.

Episode 15: MacPherson's Farewell – The Scottish Song Guide

We’re finishing off series 2 of the podcast with a song which has perhaps the best backstory of any Scottish folk song, MacPherson’s Farewell. Also known as MacPherson’s Rant, the song is often said to have been written on the gallows by James MacPherson, hanged at Banff on 16th November 1700. But how much of the story is actually true? Listen in as we try to wade through the legends and get to the truth. This is the last episode in the current series but we’ll be back for series 3 early next year. In the meantime, if there are any songs you’d like to hear about please let us know. Music featured: MacPherson’s Rant by The Sorries (taken from the album Auld Lang Syne – 2012) MacPherson’s Rant by The Sorries (podcast session recording, taken from Episode 7: Happy Homemany – 2020) You can listen to the full version of the song on The Sorries album Auld Lang Syne and can hear more of our songs on the major streaming services or by visiting http://thesorries.co.uk You can also get lots of Sorries-themed rewards – including exclusive videos, song tutorials and even a house concert – if you sign up to support us on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TheSorries Some references and further reading are to be found on the podcast site – scottishsongguide.com
  1. Episode 15: MacPherson's Farewell
  2. Episode 14: Jock O Hazeldean
  3. Episode 13: Blue Bonnets Over the Border
  4. Episode 12: Wild Mountain Thyme
  5. Episode 11: Loch Lomond

You can hear the full version of Cam Ye By Atholl on The Sorries album Land of the Leal.