INTRO (Actors on stage and still)

Cock o' the North

I am MacBeth, man of Moray and by fate the King of Alba - the country unified by Pict and Scot.

You held Alba together successfully for 17 years, but I Malcolm Canmore, ruled "Scot"-land for 36.

My English wife, the "saint" Margaret, persuaded me to accept the Normans into my court. They fought for Scotland in exchange for lands. I accepted that William, Conquerer of England was the more powerful and became his supporter. This peace enabled Margaret's influence to flourish and song and dance tell the stories of our time.

Gaelic song

A Millennium Welcome (A medley composed by Marilyn Watson a teacher of the RSCDS. Music by Mrs Pat Clark, a renowned musician within the RSCDS)

MacBETH (to Malcolm)

Aye it would seem so to you, but we gained lands in England by peaceful means. My grandson, William the Lion lost heavily in battle and became Henry II's puppet. So fighting the English nearly cost us our country and certainly brought the English army upon us.

I am William Wallace. The dynasty started by Malcolm Canmore ended after 230 years when Edward Longshanks of England took control after the death of the Maid of Norway. As usual the nobles let him, in exchange for lands.

By your look and manner you are not a noble but a warrior - so what was your fight?

For freedom - and that alone - which no man gives up but with life itself. "Alba gu brath"

Aye, Alba gu brath.

The English killed my wife so I killed the sheriff of Clydesdale and others in retaliation. Men followed me and we vowed to rid Scotland of our enemies. In the north another leader Andrew de Moray had similar success. In 1297 we took on the English army at Stirling Bridge.

By skill, strategy and courage we routed them. The river turned red with their blood. After this, the flower of Scotland united for the first time, in the name of our country. "Scotland forever"

MASSED PIPES & DRUMS

Betrayed by nobles and captured by Edward's men. I would not swear allegiance to Longshanks even after torture so he had me hung, drawn and quartered, first burning my entrails before my dying eyes.

See it here MacBeth. (Hands scroll to MacBeth who reads it allowed. As soon as MacBeth is finished..)

Freeeedom! (Exits as pipes exit)

So by 1320 Robert the Bruce finally rules a united Scotland. Who can tell me of these prosperous times?

C'est moi, MacBeth. Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. As always MacBeth, if our country is not at war with Angleterre we are fighting each other. The Highlands and Lowlands follow their own path. In the north the Clans fought one another for land and the MacDonalds', Lord's of the Isles also made claims on the throne. My own ancestors - the House of Stewart fought them at the bloodiest of battles - the Red Harlaw. There were no winners only dead.

Scotland joined the "Auld Alliance" with France against the English, for our mutual protection - although not always favoured by the people. The French had a saying "Il est fier, comme un Ecossais" It is true we are a wild and proud race, but with a wonderful culture (Gestures to the audience/arena)

Silver Rose/Tappie Toorie

Gaelic Song

War with England was always close and my grandfather James IV assembled Scotland's largest army at Flodden.

The English matched them and James died a courageous death along with half his army.

Highland Cathedral.

Covenanters sought to remove power from the Stuart kings and eventually succeeded in placing a Dutchman William of Orange on the throne of England and Scotland - but not before history found a place for two Scottish champions, the Earl of Montrose and after the battle of Killiecrankie - the Bonnie Dundee.

Killiecrankie two 3 pace rolls Bonnie Dundee march off

After such news I must take stock. I suggest we all break for refreshment before continuing to hear more of my countrymen. We will meet again in 20 minutes.

They received Highland hospitality from MacIain for 12 days

St Andrews Square

MASSED PIPES & DRUMS March on

79^th Farewell to Gibralter, Molly Connell, Orange & Blue, High Road to Linton, The Kilt is my Delight. Reform Blue Bonnets over the Border.

And then this order was received… (hands scroll to MacBeth)

This breach of Highland hospitality will forever be part of our history.

And did the people approve of this union?

You have your answer. An unsuccessful revolt was led in my father's name in 1715.

At dawn on this very day 16 April in the year 1746 the Highlanders charged for the last time.

Roses of Prince Charlie

Skye Boat Song

I escaped to Skye but the Highland Clan system was destroyed - Carrying arms meant death, tartan, kilt and plaid was banned and men were transported if caught.

This was a terrible thing you did in the name of the crown. You deserved to be the last of your line.

Aye, perhaps you are right. The irony is that such is the fighting spirit of the Highlanders that over the next fifty years the crown took Highlanders to build the British Empire. 27 line regiments and 19 Battalions of Fencibles.

ROBERT BURNS  

I dinnae mean onything by it your highness. It's just ma way.

I am Robert Burns from Ayrshire and I wrote some poems, fathered some children, drank wi' ma friends and generally had a great life. (Aside to audience) Well that's me then!

Ah'm here tae show you that from all the carnage we have forged a great, great nation of wonderful people all over the world. (Loud) Here's a toast - Tae Scotland and Scots everywhere! (Holds up glass to audience)

Ae Fond Kiss / O whistle and I'l come to you my lad (to be confirmed)

The Fête Champètre (128 bar jig)