Fàilte Dhruim Fionn – en

Lyrics

A salute to Drumfin
As we go there with joy
A salute to Drumfin
As we go there with joy
A salute to Drumfin
As we go there with joy
And my loved ones are reared there.

We like the heir (x5)
And we will be asking for him
Fresh are the woods in which you were reared.

A salute to Drumfin
As we go there with joy
And my loved ones are reared there.

The descendants of Alasdair Ruadh (x6)
Who did not oppress the people to get rent.

A salute to Drumfin
As we go there with joy
And my loved ones are reared there.

Get ready Colla (x6)
So that we will get going
I am at hand.

A salute to Drumfin
As we go there with joy
And my loved ones are reared there.

Going to Coll today (x6)
And tomorrow going to Rum.

A salute to Drumfin
As we go there with joy
A salute to Drumfin
As we go there with joy
A salute to Drumfin
As we go there with joy
And my loved ones are reared there.

The song

I received this song from the Gaelic singer, Maighread Stiùbhart. She also taught me the song and for that, I am extremely grateful to her.

This is a song from the pibroch tradition, and since my grandfather was a famous piper, I chose to do some research into songs associated with pibroch music. Seemingly, this beautiful song is connected to the history of Clan MacLean who had possession of the Islands of Coll and Rum. The clan’s seat was in Drumfin and it is thought that perhaps it was the piper of the clan chief who composed the tune.

Verse 3 of the song is very like part of the pibroch song ‘Colla mo Rùin’ and perhaps the two songs have become intertwined.

Alix Aburn, 2019

Acknowledgements

Recorded at Aird Studio, Inverness
Filmed at Eden Court, Inverness
Filmed by Mike Webster, Spiral Out Pictures
Make-up Sam Whitby