Friday 24 June 2011
Tune of the Day: Bonnie Dundee
Traditional Scottish jig
John Graham of Claverhouse, 1st Viscount of Dundee, was called “Bluidy Clavers” (Bloody Claverhouse) by his enemies, but “Bonnie Dundee” by his followers among the Jacobites. When William of Orange landed, beginning what is now known as the Glorious Revolution, Claverhouse was one of the few Scottish nobles who remained loyal to James VII of Scotland. He was killed at the moment of victory in the battle of Killiecrankie, in 1689. Over a century later he was immortalized in a poem by Walter Scott, which was later adapted into a song.
This song has been used as a regimental march by several Scottish regiments in the British Army. It was also adapted under the title “Riding a Raid” by Confederate troops during the American Civil War.