25/01/2026
A Happy Burns Day to all our members and supporters of Scottish Independence !
Back in the late 18th Century Robert Burns was clear-eyed that Scotland was the victim of the so-called ‘Union’ with England, imposed by force against the wishes of ordinary Scots in a pre-democratic age (with bribery of the Scots nobles). And also that it signified the end of Scotland’s ancient history and sovereignty.
His ‘Parcel of Rogues’ poem highlights the Union as the moment when Scotland’s national identity, sovereignty and unique culture and history were subordinated to that of England’s and our territory and resources annexed.
Fortunately for Scotland, this colonial condition is reversible !
------------------------------
A Parcel of Rogues in a Nation
1. Fareweel to a' our Scottish fame, Fareweel our ancient glory!
Fareweel ev'n to the Scottish name. Sae famed in martial story!
Now Sark rins over Salway sands, An' Tweed rins to the ocean,
To mark where England's province stands -- Such a parcel of rogues in a nation!
2. What force or guile could not subdue, Thro' many warlike ages
Is wrought now by a coward few, For hireling traitor's wages.
The English steel we could disdain, Secure in valour's station;
But English gold has been our bane -- Such a parcel of rogues in a nation!
3. O, would, or I had seen the day, That Treason thus could sell us,
My auld grey head had lien in clay, Wi' Bruce and loyal Wallace!
But pith and power, till my last hour, I'll mak this declaration :-
'We're bought and sold for English gold'-- Such a parcel of rogues in a nation!
