Mac B R A V E H E A R T ... The Signal of the Bruce
| This ballad 'The Signal of the Bruce' is taken from a book which has been in the family for many years: Days at the Coast published in 1878 by Dunn & Wright, 176 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, Scotland in a New Edition. The original edition was completed by Hugh Macdonald in 1857. The book (in his own words) is: 'A series of sketches descriptive of the Frith of Clyde-its watering-places, its scenery, and its associations.' ('Frith' is used instead of 'Firth' throughout the book.) In the chapter about Brodick and Lamlash on Arran, the author mentions the taking of Brodick Castle by The Bruce, talks about the 'King's Cave', and includes a wonderful ballad 'The Signal of the Bruce'. Click here for an excerpt from the book, including 'The Signal of the Bruce'. We wonder what Hugh Macdonald would make of his writings being published on the Internet 140 years later! If anyone knows the origin of 'The Signal of the Bruce' we'd like to hear from them. |