Ah weel...

Andy Stewart, Calum Kennedy, Kenneth McKellar - when Scots stand up to sing they usually get a good reception - if they CAN sing that is. David Kennedy was born at Perth in 1825, and died at Stratford, Canada, while on a professional tour, in October, 1886, and for some forty years he was before the public as a singer of Scotch songs. He sang the ballads of his native land round the world, visiting India, Africa, Australia, as well as every section of the United States and Canada.

His body was returned from Canada and buried in the Grange Cemetery - on my doorstep here and truly one of those old Edinburgh graveyards filled with the great and the good of Scottish history.

The verse at the bottom is from one of the most poignant of Scots songs, The Land o the Leal, written by Lady Nairne. The singer, close to death, says farewell to his beloved wife....

I 'm wearing awa', Jean,
Like snaw when it 's thaw, Jean;
I 'm wearing awa',
To the land o' the leal.
There 's nae sorrow there, Jean,
There 's neither cauld nor care, Jean,
The day is aye fair
In the land o' the leal.

Ye were aye leal and true, Jean;
Your task 's ended noo, Jean,
And I 'll welcome you
To the land o' the leal.
Our bonnie bairn 's there, Jean,
She was baith guid and fair, Jean:
O, we grudged her right sair
To the land o' the leal!

Then dry that tearfu' ee, Jean,
My soul langs to be free, Jean,
And angels wait on me
To the land o' the leal!
Now fare ye weel, my ain Jean,
This warld's care is vain, Jean;
We 'll meet and aye be fain
In the land o' the leal.