History

Composed by German musicians Ulrich Roever and Michael Korb in 1982
for a German Highland games. It has been proposed as the Scottish national anthem
to replace unofficial anthems 'Scotland the Brave' and 'Flower of Scotland'. It has had
lyrics added in English and in Scottish Gaelic.

The tune has been performed by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and featured in
the album, Spirit of the Glen, which won a Classical Brit award in 2009.The tune was the
Royal Hong Kong Police Anthem under British rule which ended in 1997. It is also a popular
wedding song.

Lyrics Version 1

Land of our fathers, we will always be
Faithful and loyal to our own country
In times of danger, we will set you free
Lead you to glory and to victory

Hail, Caledonia, to our ancient prayer
In this Highland Cathedral, let our standards, bear
Joining, together, with one dream to share
God bless the people of this land so fair

Chorus:

Gone is the past, let us start a new

Let this hope of peace, always remain

Spirit of Scotia, be strong and true

Then your children will smile again.

Rise, Caledonia, let your voices ring
In this Highland Cathedral of our God and King
Whom, joy and liberty, to all, will bring
Come; let your heart, with love and courage, sing

Chorus:

Lonely the exile, o'er distant seas,

The home of their birth, gone from their eyes.

Bring back their souls o'er the ocean breeze

To the land where their fathers lie.