Highland Cathedral

Highland Cathedral is a popular bagpipe melody.

The melody composed for the bagpipes was written by German musicians Ulrich Roever and Michael Korb [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/3443179.stm BBC SPORT | Rugby | Six Nations | Scots fans given anthem] last updated 29 January 2004] in a Scottish style. It has been proposed as the Scottish national anthem to replace unofficial anthems Scotland the Brave and/or Flower of Scotland. It has subsequently undergone various orchestrations and had lyrics added in English and in Scottish Gaelic.

Trivia

The tune was the Royal Hong Kong Police Anthem under the British rule which ended in 1997. It was played at a ceremonial lowering of the Governor's flag at Chris Patten's residence, Government House on the last day of British rule. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_umeCHH0ts&feature=related British Retreat 1997] Highland Cathedral is also Chris Patten's favourite pipe tunes as said by himself on a BBC Asia Today programme [http://www.bbc.co.uk/politics97/news/06/0630/hk2.shtml The Governor's Last Farewell] .

It is also a popular wedding song.

A new lyrical version (sheet music and professional recording) by Duane Kellogg, Jr. is now available through the publisher, Universal MCA/Music in Germany. It's entitled "Love Won the Fight" and is particularly appropriate in Christian settings.

Highland Cathedral lyrics

Version 1

There is a land far from this distant shore
Where heather grows and Highland eagles soar
There is a land that will live ever more
Deep in my heart, my Bonnie Scotland

Though I serve so far away
I still see your streams, cities and dreams
I can't wait until the day
When I'll come home once more to my Bonnie Scotland

And so Lord keep me from the harm of war
Through all its dangers and the battle's roar
Keep me safe until I'm home once more
Home to my own in Bonnie Scotland

Version 2

"Another version is:"

Land of my 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.

Gone is the past, let us start anew,
Let this hope of peace always remain.
Spirit of Scotia be strong and true,
Then our children will smile again, again, again, 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.

Gone is the past, let us start anew,
Let this hope of peace always remain.
Spirit of Scotia be strong and true,
Then our children will smile again, again, again, again.

Land of my 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.

"This second version was sung at the memorial service for Scottish rally legend Colin McRae and his son after their tragic helicopter accident in September 2007." [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7017681.stm] BBC News]

Version 3

"Here is another version, written by John Walker in 2008:"

High as the eagle over Nevis snow
Deep as fair Morar, strong as Tay in flow
Lasting as Lewis rock, for all to share
Our love of Scotland, home beyond compare

Countries far cherish Scotland's bond
of kinship and past, memory fond
Flesh and blood defy time and space
One family, one embrace

Land of the Saltire blazoned 'cross the sky
Yours a rich legacy from days gone by
Pray we in turn bequeath to Destiny
Tolerance, friendship, human dignity

All we honour with humble pride
Who fought in our name, selflessly died
Such a price, and so early paid
Let gratitude never fade

High as the eagle over Nevis snow
Deep as fair Morar, strong as Tay in flow
Lasting as Lewis rock, for all to share
Our love of Scotland, home beyond compare

References

External links

* http://www.morgle.com/highlandcathedral.htm
* http://www.highlandcathedral.com