Scotland’s octogenarian Ceilidh King has written a tune to celebrate the arrival of the newest royal.
The tune, Archie Harrison’s Reel, is set to top of the traditional music charts if its composer Fergie MacDonald has any say in it.
Mr MacDonald, from Acharacle, who has also been named as the chieftain of Glenfinnan Highland Games on August 17 – says the title won’t go to his head – and he says he is just like the Royal couple trying to keep things as low key as possible.
Mr MacDonald, 82, said: “I know it is as though I have a split personality writing a tune for a new Royal baby and, at the same time, agreeing to be the chieftain of the games to stand up for the common man.
“But I like Megan and Harry and I think they have given their son a beautiful Scottish name, and they have kept it normal. I think there is a lot to be said for that couple, they just want to live a normal life – good on them.
“That’s why I have written a wee tune for Archie. My friends who have heard the tune, and are in the know, tell me that it will be a chart topper. So I am looking forward to getting it out there in the near future.”
As Highland games chieftain says he is all set to raise the roof at Glenfinnan by not sticking to tradition.
He said: “What an honour to be asked to be the chieftain, but I am doing this for the ordinary man – I will be wearing my red stockings, my Clan Ranald kilt and my hill boots. There will be no feathers or finery for me.
“I will be like my ancestors, from Castle Tioram, in Moidart who stood and raised the standard on August 19 1745, and who welcomed Bonnie Prince Charlie to Alba.
“We were there in 1745 and I will be there 274 years later – as the chieftain of the gathering, how is that? My ancestors were there and came through the whole march and then fought at Culloden. And here I am, the chieftain. It is very good indeed.
“I will be making a speech and I will be saying we have to open the games up to everyone, or our traditions will die.”
Chieftain Fergie MacDonald will be performing his role at the Glenfinnan Highland Gathering on August 17.
