A Lament for Scotland

A glimpse of the Granite City, the smell of the landed creels, the low lying clouds veiling the heights of the munrows with majestic stags in the distance who roam the northern estates. Burns that turn into liquid gold mapping the flavours of the regions and the strangers flung into a momentary embrace swept up by the sounds of the fiddles and drone of the pipes. This land runs through my veins.

This land, that has an abundantly rich history of industry and arts. This land with its people who have stood up to injustice, stepping out in faith for what is right.

But my dearest Scotland, my heart breaks for your people. Where you once took hope and life to the ends of the earth, you now take the lives of those who have yet to have a voice. Where you once declared freedom, you now restrict the freedom of your people who refuse to bow to your every whim. Don’t you remember the Words from your youth? You were one strong and proud. You were the ‘Land of the Book’, but now you have lost your way.

What’s right, good and true you see as out of date and not for today’s generation. Where there’s life, you see it as a choice. Where there is confusion, you see it as fearful compliance.

Don’t you know that the very flag you fly is a symbol of allegiance to a King greater than any? A King that promises life and freedom far above the rulers of this world. A life lived to the full, and freedom far beyond any chains of restrictions could ever hold you. Remember the words from your youth and stand once again strong and courageous in the peace, hope and love that comes only from the one for whom the Saint of this country was martyred.

Come back O bonnie Scotland and sing His praises once again.