Tartan Day Playlist (Brief one)

April 6 is Tartan Day here in Nova Scotia 

We have a right to be proud as  Tartan Day in Canada originated with a proposal from the Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia and has since been proclaimed by all the provincial legislatures. 

In Australia the similar International Tartan Day is held on 1 July, the anniversary of the repeal of the 1747 Act of Proscription that banned the wearing of tartan.

I am 1/4 Scots myself. A member of Clan Borthwick. The Borthwick family still exists in Scotland and own an impressive castle, named unsurprisingly, Borthwick Castle. I haven't  been there to see my bedroom yet, but its on my bucket list.

The next few tunes all show respect for things Scottish.

Loch Lomond sung by Martha Tilton with backing by Benny Goodman & his Orchestra, The Far Cuillins by Andy Stewart and the Skye Boat Song - theme from the Outlander TV series the song features Kathryn Jones.

Another song that harkens of far away places is Vera Lynn's Travelling Home. A tune she recorded in 1957. with lyrics like -

I'm travellin' home
Travellin' home
Far have I roamed from the faces I love
Winds that have blown me on my way
Blow me right back to harbour

appropriate for a playlist for Scotland, (and other distant places.)

The rock n roll show to watch in the UK in the 50's was Oh, Boy! on Saturday's.  It was produced by Jack Good who left UK for California and found fame as the producer of Shindig. Jack just passed away in Sept 2017. The next obscure hit, was from the band who played the backing for most of the artists on Oh, Boy,  Lord Rockingham's XI.  "Hoots Mon". It is a rocked-up version of the traditional Scottish song "A Hundred Pipers", featuring Scotticisms like "Hoots mon, there's a moose loose aboot this hoose!", talk about cultural appropriation!! But, I believe it is done in fun & not meant  in a mocking way. 

SONGS

Loch Lomond - Martha Tilton & Benny Goodman Orchestra.

The Far Cuillins - Andy Stewart 

Skye Boat Song - theme from Outlander featuring Kathryn Jones

Travelling Home -Vera Lynn

Hoots Mon - Lord Rockingham's XI