21 Songs every Scot knows: Famous Scottish tunes we can’t help singing along to like I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

By David Hepburn

Writer-at-large

Published 6th Oct 2022, 16:27 GMT

Updated 27th Jun 2023, 07:36 GMT

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We asked our readers for famous songs every Scot knows and the results – both heartfelt and nostalgic – are in.

We had a huge response on social media after asking for famous songs every Scot will know, so it’s clear that these timeless tracks are close to Scots’ hearts. Surprisingly, much of the newer generation did not make the list, with famous artists like Biffy Clyro, Lewis Capaldi, and Calvin Harris missing out on a mention.

One of the most common answers we received was for The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna be (500 Miles)” song. The band recently made headlines for being removed from the King’s Coronation’s music playlist as they reportedly held ‘anti-royal’ sentiments.

Wherever your own personal tastes lie, here are 21 famous Scottish songs - in no particular order - that us Scots just cannae get enough of. Which song would be your top pick?

"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" was written and performed by The Proclaimers and released back in 1988 in their album 'Sunshine on Leith'. Suffice to say, it's impossible for any Scot to not be aware of this world-famous song made by the Scottish duo.

. The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" was written and performed by The Proclaimers and released back in 1988 in their album 'Sunshine on Leith'. Suffice to say, it's impossible for any Scot to not be aware of this world-famous song made by the Scottish duo. Photo: John Stillwell

This traditional Scots-language song is often sung as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. It was first written by Robert Burns in 1788 however the text did not appear in print until 1796 after his death.

. Robert Burns - Auld Lang Syne

This traditional Scots-language song is often sung as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. It was first written by Robert Burns in 1788 however the text did not appear in print until 1796 after his death. Photo: After Nasmyth, Engraved by G.Cook. 1881. via Wikimedia Commons

The Corries released this song in 1969 as part of their The Corries In Concert album. The origins of the song are described as being from Northern Ireland/Scotland by several sources. Reportedly, the lyrics and melody are a variant of the song "The Braes of Balquhither" by Robert Tannahill (1774 - 1810) and Robert Archibald Smith (1780 - 1829).

. The Corries - Will Ye Go Lassie Go (Wild Mountain Thyme)

The Corries released this song in 1969 as part of their The Corries In Concert album. The origins of the song are described as being from Northern Ireland/Scotland by several sources. Reportedly, the lyrics and melody are a variant of the song "The Braes of Balquhither" by Robert Tannahill (1774 - 1810) and Robert Archibald Smith (1780 - 1829). Photo: Andrew Milligan via PA

“I Don’t Want a Lover” from the album Southside (1989) is the debut single of Texas. Texas are a Scottish band that originated in Bearsden in the Greater Glasgow area, they were founded in 1986 by Sharleen Spiteri and Johnny McElhone.

. Texas - I Don't Want a Lover

“I Don’t Want a Lover” from the album Southside (1989) is the debut single of Texas. Texas are a Scottish band that originated in Bearsden in the Greater Glasgow area, they were founded in 1986 by Sharleen Spiteri and Johnny McElhone. Photo: via WikiCommons

Scottish songwriter and folk musician Roy Murdoch Buchanan Williamson wrote this song in the 1960's and it was first heard publicly in 1967. It has since become the national anthem of Scotland used at sporting events and other important occasions.

. Roy Williamson - Flower of Scotland

Scottish songwriter and folk musician Roy Murdoch Buchanan Williamson wrote this song in the 1960's and it was first heard publicly in 1967. It has since become the national anthem of Scotland used at sporting events and other important occasions. Photo: jmimages via Canva Pro

Caledonia is a nostalgic Scottish folk ballad written in 1977 by Dougie MacLean. This anthem of Scottish pride, reportedly, was written by MacLean in just 10 minutes as he rested on a beach in France during his early 20's.

. Dougie MacLean - Caledonia

Caledonia is a nostalgic Scottish folk ballad written in 1977 by Dougie MacLean. This anthem of Scottish pride, reportedly, was written by MacLean in just 10 minutes as he rested on a beach in France during his early 20's. Photo: Dlsnider via Wikimedia Commons

Putting “Flower of Scotland” aside, although not official, many people see “Scotland the Brave” as Scotland’s national anthem. The song focuses on the merits of Scotland, its legacy as a country and the natural beauty and fascinating heritage it boasts.

. Scotland the Brave

Putting “Flower of Scotland” aside, although not official, many people see “Scotland the Brave” as Scotland’s national anthem. The song focuses on the merits of Scotland, its legacy as a country and the natural beauty and fascinating heritage it boasts. Photo: via Pixabay

This Scottish rock band was formed in Bathgate (close to Edinburgh) and released this song in 1989 as part of their debut album entitled Good Deeds and Dirty Rags.

. Goodbye Mr. MacKenzie - Goodbye Mr. MacKenzie

This Scottish rock band was formed in Bathgate (close to Edinburgh) and released this song in 1989 as part of their debut album entitled Good Deeds and Dirty Rags. Photo: Deborah Mullen via Wikimedia Commons

"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" was written and performed by The Proclaimers and released back in 1988 in their album 'Sunshine on Leith'. Suffice to say, it's impossible for any Scot to not be aware of this world-famous song made by the Scottish duo.

1. The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" was written and performed by The Proclaimers and released back in 1988 in their album 'Sunshine on Leith'. Suffice to say, it's impossible for any Scot to not be aware of this world-famous song made by the Scottish duo. Photo: John Stillwell

This traditional Scots-language song is often sung as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. It was first written by Robert Burns in 1788 however the text did not appear in print until 1796 after his death.

2. Robert Burns - Auld Lang Syne

This traditional Scots-language song is often sung as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. It was first written by Robert Burns in 1788 however the text did not appear in print until 1796 after his death. Photo: After Nasmyth, Engraved by G.Cook. 1881. via Wikimedia Commons

The Corries released this song in 1969 as part of their The Corries In Concert album. The origins of the song are described as being from Northern Ireland/Scotland by several sources. Reportedly, the lyrics and melody are a variant of the song "The Braes of Balquhither" by Robert Tannahill (1774 - 1810) and Robert Archibald Smith (1780 - 1829).

3. The Corries - Will Ye Go Lassie Go (Wild Mountain Thyme)

The Corries released this song in 1969 as part of their The Corries In Concert album. The origins of the song are described as being from Northern Ireland/Scotland by several sources. Reportedly, the lyrics and melody are a variant of the song "The Braes of Balquhither" by Robert Tannahill (1774 - 1810) and Robert Archibald Smith (1780 - 1829). Photo: Andrew Milligan via PA

“I Don’t Want a Lover” from the album Southside (1989) is the debut single of Texas. Texas are a Scottish band that originated in Bearsden in the Greater Glasgow area, they were founded in 1986 by Sharleen Spiteri and Johnny McElhone.

4. Texas - I Don't Want a Lover

“I Don’t Want a Lover” from the album Southside (1989) is the debut single of Texas. Texas are a Scottish band that originated in Bearsden in the Greater Glasgow area, they were founded in 1986 by Sharleen Spiteri and Johnny McElhone. Photo: via WikiCommons

Lewis Capaldi Coronation Artists