“Skye Boat Song” is one of the most beloved Scottish songs out there. It was first published in 1884. The air was collected in the 1870s by Anne Campbell MacLeod, and the lyrics were written by Sir Harold Edwin Boulton, who was an English baronet.
The song tells the story of Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s escape
after the Battle of Culloden. On June 27, 1746, he disguised himself as “Betty
Burke” and fled to the Outer Hebrides. “Burke” acted as a maid to Flora
MacDonald, who has since been heralded as a Jacobite hero. They sailed from Benbecula
to Skye and landed at Rudha Phrionnsa (Prince’s Point) in Kilmuir. From there,
they went to Portree and Bonnie Prince Charlie was able to get from there to
the island of Ramsay before going back to France.
MacDonald and Prince Charles never met again. Bonnie Prince Charlie died on January 31, 1788 in Rome. MacDonald died in 1790 and is buried in Kilmuir, wrapped in a sheet that Prince Charles slept in.
While the song has become famous, there are a few
inaccuracies in the lyrics. The lyrics say that there were “baffled foes” on
the shore, which was not the case in the real story. There was no expectation
or want for Prince Charles’ return to Scotland, though he made a secret trip to
London in 1750.
The lyrics were rewritten in 1892 by Robert Louis Stevenson,
who disliked the lyrics that were written by Boulton. He felt they were too
sentimental. The opening verse has been changed, which was made famous by “Outlander.”
Despite the changes
to the lyrics over the years, the song remains a tribute to Bonnie Prince
Charlie and a reminder of the intense period of time that was the Jacobite
Risings, especially in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden. It continues to
capture the valor of those who fought for what they believed in.
Since it was first written and published, it has become well-known
and loved by people worldwide. It has been covered by several famous musicians
and has even become the theme song for the TV show, “Outlander.”
Related Songs:
-Beyond the Song: "Flower of Scotland": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/07/beyond-song-flower-of-scotland.html
-Beyond the Song: "Braes of Killiecrankie": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/07/beyond-song-braes-of-killiecrankie.html
-Beyond the Song: "Bonnie Dundee": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/07/beyond-song-bonnie-dundee.html