I work in the Highlands of Scotland, promoting participation in Gaelic ( Scottish) Singing activities and as part of this I can help people with any query they may have as regards Gaelic song, whether it be for finding words or a translation of something or a recording of a song, questions about artists etc. This is a free service. Happy to help wherever I can

Aha - an expert in scottish songs...

Well then,

Isn't it a shame that Auld Lang Syne is sung differently in Scotland and in popular usage...

I've always sung "for the sake of Auld Lang Syne" like all the English events seem to - and I prefer it that way actually, as it makes more sense to me, though the original is not modern so I concede that it isn't meant to be easy modern thought and phrase links...

What do you suggest?

All I can think of is a number one hit record to put the song right in everyone's mind - but with which version!

Would you record it?!....

(Maybe you have!)

I did Gaelic when i was at school in Ireland, and we used to do songs too, some by Edward Bunting, a famous Irish song writer. Although i believe he wrote most in English and some were then translated to Gaelic.

Hello! I don't think I actually need this service, but enjoy hearing Gaelic being spoken when we are on holiday in the Outer Hebrides.

Do you know the band The Vatersay Boys? Some of their songs are in Gaelic - lots of energy and a huge following in their local area.

The Vatersay Boys!! I love them!! Their Ceilidhs are so much fun!!

I've not had the chance to hear them live, but their CD The Road to Vatersay is what I put on if I'm feeling unmotivated about doing the housework! Always makes me think of the actual island of Vatersay, which has the most beautiful beach imaginable.

Vatersay lads are great fun!!
I'm not an expert on Scots Song, Gaelic is quite a separate area from Scots.And this is Scottish Gaelic we're talking about - not Irish.THey're differnt languages with a common stem.
However, I always use the 'old' version of Burns' Auld Lang Syne when singing it - and the 'correct' version is 'for auld lang syne ' not 'for the sake of- and its ssss-yne please, not Zyne!
The original is a beautiful song in its own right especially when people actually listen to the words and what they are about -

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?
Chorus
For auld lang syne, my jo,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
And surely ye'll be your pint-stoup,
And surely I'll be mine;
And we'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
For auld, etc.
We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit,
Sin' auld lang syne.
For auld, etc.
We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd.
Sin' auld lang syne.
For auld, etc.
And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak' a right gud-wellie waught,
For auld lang syne.
For auld, etc.

Translation ( from Scots Independent)
Should old friendship be forgot'
And never remembered ?
Should old friendship be forgotten,
And days of long ago.

And surely you will have your tankard !
And surely I will have mine !
And we will take a cup of kindness yet,
For days of long ago'

We two have run about the hills
And pulled the daisies fine :
But we have wandered many a weary foot
Since days of long ago.

We two have waded in the stream
From dawn till dinner-time :
But seas between us broad have roared
Since days of long ago.

And there's a hand my trusty friend !
And give me a hand of thine !
And we will take a proper good drink
For old times

Thanks,

DomRUK