The Flower of Scotland

Words and music by Roy Williamson, (1937-1990)

Written in 1960, these words set to music have now been adopted by the Scottish Rugby Union

and the Scottish Football Association as Scotland's unofficial national anthem.

Click to hear Williamson's music.

The words refer to Robert the Bruce's victory over Edward II at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

Which led inevitably to the Treaty of Arbroath, (1320), and final independence and freedom

for the Scottish Nation.

Oh flower of Scotland

When will we see

Yer like again

That fought and died for

Yer wee bit hill and glen

And stood against him

Proud Edward's army

And sent him homeward

Tae think again

The hills are bare now

And autumn leaves

Lie thick and still

O'er land that is lost now

Which those so dearly held

That stood against him

Proud Edward's army

And sent him homeward

Tae think again.

Those days are passed now

And in the past

They must remain

But we can still rise now

And be the nation again

That stood against him

Proud Edward's army

And sent him homeward

Tae think again.

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