BBC Alba Opening Theme

Runrig's music is often described as a blend of folk and rock music. Runrig’s song “Alba” has been used as the opening theme by the television channel BBC Alba, launched in September 2008 and aimed at the Scottish Gaelic community.

Alba

Caledonia is the Roman name for Scotland. Alba is the Scottish Gaelic name for Scotland. 

            The first Gaels, the Scots, arrived in Scotland from Ireland around 450 AD and settled in Argyll, which they called Dal Riata. They were fiercely resisted by the established Pictish people and it was not until 843 that the Gaelic leader, Kenneth MacAlpin united the Picts and the Gaels and became the first ruler of Alba which comprised most of Scotland north of rivers Forth and Clyde. “Alba” has since remained the Gaelic name for Scotland.

Caledonia by Celtic Woman

Caledonia by Celtic Thunder

Homecoming Scotland. Caledonia

A whole year of celebrations took place all over Scotland.  This is the television spot :

 “2009 is a big year for Scotland

It’s the 250th birthday of Robert Burns

And we are celebrating

With over 200 events throughout the year

The whole world’s invited. And so are you.”

            The song featured in the promotional video is a modern Scottish folk ballad named “Caledonia”, written by Dougie MacLean, its title coming after the way ancient Romans used to refer to actual Scotland’s land. (The former “Gaelic” name of Scotland was “Alba”)

1. Singer Amy Macdonald introduces the advert singing in front of the backdrop of majestic Glen Coe and Buachaille Etive Mor.   

2. Triple Olympic medal winner Chris Hoy sings in front of the Glasgow Science Centre in recognition of the Great Minds and Innovators of Scotland that will be celebrated throughout 2009.

3. Actor Brian Cox stands in front of the mystical standing stones that make up the Ring of Brodgar on Orkney, depicting the ancestry and culture strand of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations.   

4. Golfer Sam Torrance sings in front of the 10th green at the Championship Golf Course at Turnberry, overlooking Ailsa Craig in the outer Firth of Clyde.

5. Singer Eddi Reader stands in front of the classic Burns statue in Dumfries

6.   Glasgow Warriors rugby players Thom Evans and Kelly Brown sing in front of the Strathisla Distillery in Keith.

7. Singer Sandi Thom sings in front of the shores of Farr Beach in Sutherland in the far north of Scotland. 

8. Sean Connery sings in front of Edinburgh Castle.  

9. Singer Lulu sings in front of Castle Stalker in Argyll.

Homecoming Scotland and the Royal Mint

            In 2009, and celebrating Burns 250^th birthday, the Royal Mint issued a commemorative two pound coin featuring a quote from "Auld Lang Syne", the callugraphy of which is based on the handwriting of Robert Burns, surrounded by the inscription "1759 ROBERT BURNS 1796"

Auld Lang Syne

Auld Lang Syne

"Auld Lang Syne" is a poem written by Robert Burns in 1788, set to the tune of a traditional folk song. It is well known in English-speaking countries and is often sung to celebrate the start of the New Year (in Scotland, “Hogmanay”) at the stroke of midnight. By extension, it is also performed as a farewell song whenever something comes to an end.

Robert Burns BBC Documentary (Part 9 of 9)

Robert Burns BBC Documentary (Part 8 of 9)

Robert Burns BBC Documentary (Part 7 of 9)