Loch Lomond

The chorus of the Scots song "The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond" dates to about 1870. But hints at a much more turbulent part of Scots history.

It is believed it relates to two prisoners held in Carlisle Castle following the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. Jacobite from the French form of James "Jacobus" 

The senior of the two is be executed so will walk back to his home via the 'low road' of the spirit while his colleague will need to walk the longer and slower 'high road". Thus the spirit, walking the 'low road' will get there first.

The 1870s song was re-written as a love song.