Òran na Cloiche facts for kids
Òran na Cloiche ("Song of the Stone") is a famous Scottish Gaelic song. It was written by a poet named Donald MacIntyre, also known as the Paisley Bard. This song celebrates a very exciting event: the return of the Stone of Destiny to Scotland. This special stone was brought back from Westminster Abbey in London on Christmas Day in 1950 by a group of students.
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The Song of the Stone
Donald MacIntyre was a strong supporter of Scottish nationalism, which means he believed Scotland should have more control over its own affairs. When he heard the news that the Stone of Destiny was back in Scotland, he was so happy that he wrote this 25-verse song all at once! Some of the students who brought the stone back even visited him to say thank you for his amazing song.
What is the Stone of Destiny?
The Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, is a very old and important symbol for Scotland. For centuries, it was used in the coronations of Scottish kings. It's a large block of sandstone that has a lot of history and meaning for the Scottish people.
The Story of the Stone's Return
For many years, the Stone of Destiny was kept in Westminster Abbey in London. However, on Christmas Day in 1950, a group of four Scottish students decided to bring it back to Scotland. They carefully removed the stone from the Abbey and drove it all the way back home. This act was seen by many as a symbol of Scottish pride and a desire for more independence.
Who Wrote the Song?
The song's writer, Donald MacIntyre (whose Gaelic name was Dòmhnall Mac an t-Saoir), was known as the Paisley Bard because he lived in Paisley. He was a well-known poet and a passionate advocate for Scottish culture and independence. His quick and heartfelt response to the stone's return shows how much this event meant to him and many other Scots.
The Song's Meaning and Music
Òran na Cloiche is a very joyful and exciting song. It's often sung to the tune of a fast reel, which is a lively type of folk dance music. Sometimes, the tune is even played without singing, like the "Stone of Destiny Reel" by Michael McGoldrick. However, when the Stone of Destiny was later returned to England, Donald MacIntyre also wrote a sad song, called "Nuair Chaidh a' Chlach a Thilleadh" ("When the Stone Was Returned"), to show how upset he was.
Where Can You Hear the Song?
The full words of Donald MacIntyre's poem were published after he passed away in a book called Sporan Dhòmhnaill - Gaelic Poems and Songs by the late Donald Macintyre, the Paisley Bard. You can also hear shorter versions of the song performed by modern Gaelic artists. For example, the singer Kathleen MacInnes included it on her album Òg-Mhadainn Shamhraidh. The Scottish folk band Mànran also performs a version on their first album, which is called Mànran.
