The Magic of Scotland and Loch Tay

by pip

I have recently been researching Loch Tay, as I have been thinking of staying in one of the Loch Tay Highland Lodges. I thought in the event of me staying there I may as well learn some of the back ground history.


I found out that the loch, and many of its surroundings, feature in the traditional Scottish 'Loch Tay Boat Song' which in Scottish Gaelic is called:

Iorram Loch Tatha.


'When I've done my work of day,
And I row my boat away,
Doon the waters of Loch Tay,
As the evening light is fading
And I look upon Ben Lawers
Where the after glory glows;
And I think on two bright eyes
And the melting mouth below.

She's my beauteous nighean ruadh,
She's my joy and sorrow too;
And although she is untrue,
Well I cannot live without her,
For my heart's a boat in tow,
And I'd give the world to know
Why she means to let me go,
As I sing horee horo.'

After reading these first two verses I was really struck with a yearning to watch the sun set over Ben Lawers and to see the shimmering of the loch, the wildness of the Highlands staring down upon me and if possible, the beauty of which he sings. It's almost as though, if you were there, that she would come out dancing from between the woodland and be singing like a nymph.

It seems Scotland shall always hold a magic within it's landscape, whether it be through lover's ancient songs, or the remains of 'Crannogs' which are the water dwellings of Iron Age people, you can just feel the magic of the place, as though there is a thousand eyes from times gone by watching over a place that has become so entwined with many hearts.

'Scotland you'll be mine,
Forever over time,
I shall sing of thee,
and you shall be my love.'