The Dark Island - The Alexander Brothers

Images of Wester Ross Scotland

[@Pinkpepperm95]

Hi the dark island is a song composed by ian mac lachlan my grandfather i'm pleased too see that his music is still keeping on!

[@florencejonas2195]

Which island is it referring to?

[@johnorourke2103]

​@@florencejonas2195 the dark one

[@horsesslo-moaction4938]

@@florencejonas2195 - Benbecula - the tune was renamed and made popular when thehe signature tune to the Grampian TV series Dark Island aired in early '60s Jimmy Blue of the Ian Powrie band played the haunting intro with seagulls background.

[@IanMcaleer-zg6vz]

South uiste benbecula

[@shonabeggs4640]

My regards for your Grandfather. I have loved this - on the pipes, since I was a wee girl in the 60s as it was played in my gran & grandads house regularly. It was played at my granddad's funeral. Blessings!

[@RECYCLE-hf3eu]

Ive been out of Scotland 64 yrs but I'm still not an Aussie and never will be. Its where I've lived but not where l wanted to be. The Dark Isle has been played at all family funerals & will continue to be played. I was first effected by it when l was 13 & it really made me aware of where l wanted to be.

[@MariaMulholland-y1v]

my family left scotland 1970 moved to tasmania i never ever felt i belonged now living in america and still not feeling that i belong

[@MariaMulholland-y1v]

Hello my family moved to Australia in 1970 I was 4 1/2 yo and had been living in a small village called Condorrat - I do not know were I belong Im neither scottish or australian I dont know were I fit in - but this piece of music has always affected me and I start to cry

[@colinmacgregor8718]

I was born here in Australia to Scottish parents,both deceased now and when I listen to this tune as I have done the last 60 years,it tells me I should be in Scotland.

[@thomascatford2627]

🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@johnmcritchie292]

I Am a Mcritchie. I have family in Aus❤

[@stevearnott7693]

I am a clansman, a highlander descendant and this music gives me emotions no other song or tune can This makes me proud of my heritage, my home❤

[@AndrewHarrison-o4y]

Lost touch with my Scottish ancestry but this wee beauty brings all my childhood memories rushing back

[@janereynolds7540]

So beautiful

[@valhalla49]

for all us Scots no matter where we roam this will always remember us of out home land and tradations and folk and places dear to us !!!!!! great song and may you have a quiet moment to remember the Dark Isle !!!!!

[@averilcarmichael1799]

Played this recently at my Mum’s funeral made me so proud to be Scottish 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 although we have lived in Australia for the last 32 years as did my mum.. RIP Mum I have truly lost my best friend 💔💔

[@kimbatwl4663]

We played it at my dad’s funeral 10 years ago. And same - my parents came out in 1966. I remember listening to this and other Scottish records (The Corries) when I was young. Dad was homesick I think. Mum too, but in a different way.

[@kimbatwl4663]

Sorry for the loss of your mum

[@bonniechops1]

Lovely tune but so sad 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@oldedwardian1778]

What a beautiful sentiment, stay safe.

[@newcypress4507]

POGCHAMP

[@justherefox7]

Played at my grans funeral today, perfect song.

[@briananderson1290]

I am 61 now, been out of Scotland now for 45 years living in England, but this haunting tune played by Tom takes me back to the early 70's when I took my gran to see them at Perth Theatre in the Highland Show. I treated her spending my pocket money and she was so proud. Tom played this and we both cried!!

[@horsesslo-moaction4938]

The Perth & Kinross Shire recently spent GBP 12 Million on updating the Perth Theatre/ Hall - where the Alexanader Brothers and Ian Powrie Band used to play !

[@rosebrown9265]

Bless you 😢

[@ladygardener100]

It brings tears to my eyes

[@lynnestewart3239]

I had this beautiful tune played at my fathers funeral He was a true and very proud Scot. RIP dad xxx

[@ggghhhbbnjjjbb2330]

I haven't heard this for decades, but I remember being stopped in my tracks as a very young boy when I first heard it. It was fascinating to me for some reason. There's something elemental about the melody and simple harmony that exerts a powerful pull and evokes an emotion response. I came here looking for it after all these years because the memory is still there and I want to play it on my guitar. It would be a great guitar 'feel' piece. E.g. imagine Mark Knopfler or Dave Gilmour doing a tasteful version of it.

[@poltallach]

A piper played this at my Dad's funeral. A beautiful tune and a wonderful sendoff for a Scotsman.

[@LizWarren-uv8pt]

Many thanks for this. Beautiful scenery and music. My family completely ❤️

[@Timmy197929]

My Dad used to play this on the piano accordion. Even as a child I always thought it was beautiful. He passed away 4 weeks ago and we played this version as we carried him at his funeral. Lovely song, lovely memories....miss you so much Dad

[@elizabethgarrity8399]

My Dad also played this on his piano accordian

[@cookycook798]

Played at my dad's funeral. Requested by him in his last days. I listen to it to never forget him. Missed so much 🎣

[@Equinart]

We played this at my Dads funeral in December.... Proud of my roots and Dad loved this piece of music amongst many Scottish tunes. Miss him very much and this makes me cry every time I hear this version of it.....

[@h24025220w]

A true undying tune of Scotland evreyone who knows about Scottish music must surely know the Black Isle. My grandad was pipe major for the Black Watch during both world wars and this was his favourite piece of music.R.I.P. auld ane I will never forget thee even though I still carry the scars of a regimental childhood.

[@Sumer61]

I remember this as a small child. I thought it was the most beautiful meldody ever, and it still tugs at my heart strings when I hear it and think of my home, Cape Breton.

[@jimmillar6506]

Simply the best

[@tomdoig7199]

Never forget these old tunes.Someday they become our favourite

[@fionabryans5223]

Played this at my dad's funeral lovely song dad' loved and missed every day xx

[@gr1mreeefer249]

❤

[@MrAJM205]

My late fathers favorite tune, it was piped by a family friend at his funeral in May 2010. I adored my father; I adore this tune................

[@cappyGLA]

Got a Skive off school to take my blind gran to their concerts, was baby valium to me too when I was a restless 3 month older and so forth, I was brought up on these guys and loved my gran so much I miss her everyday and the Alexander brothers remind me how lucky I was to have a gran like her RIP xxx

[@davyboy176]

100%SCOTTISH and proud of it and yes even a true SCOT can shed a tear for times gone by and times to come. Knowing we will always be here*THANK YOU*.

[@Robert-catesby]

My old mother (long gone ) she was a big fan of the Alexander brothers she had a few LPs out of all their songs this one haunts me wonderful music best version ❤

[@rosebrown9265]

Beautiful music 😊

[@Sunburst75]

What a beautiful version and fabulous pictures. The Alexander Brothers are fab.

[@briankneebone586]

Probably the greatest instrumental ever to come out of Scotland. Never tire of hearing it. obably the greatest instrumental to ever come out of Scotland

[@professorplums722]

Made up...accordion and bass drum...full ensemble....beautiful...love it....from Ulster. Stunning.

[@73dem6vmo7]

A grand piece of music. Really immortal.

[@sommy38]

much joy you have brought to this life jack , much heartfelt warmth..you will glow...

[@rustyone9054]

I first heard this in the early 1970's as the theme tune to the BBC Radio serial of Robert Barr's story "The Dark Island" (also available on KZbin). Once heard, never forgotten!

[@scottdunbar5677]

Such a beautiful tune

[@peterhorsfall9212]

Such a beautiful tune, but very haunting,just love the Alexander Brothers

[@bingonight7903]

5 minutes from all our doors is one of of the reasons i am so proud to be Scottish, our people,our country,and most important our history and music no matter your generation,you will come across us

[@fireandrain1]

One of the songs my dad played on the accordion. I doubt I'll ever be able to listen without crying.

[@carolinegardner9707]

My dad also played this a lot on his accordion ..played it at his funeral ..miss you dad xx

[@alastairspratt7011]

What a tune. Has been played at my Father,Mothers, and Brothers funerals. Brings back so many memories.

[@gordoncowie3732]

She is my great great great grandmother

[@123kateboo]

God Bless you ,, I shed a tear reading your story,,, ,, i played the acordion many years ago ,and dark island was my favourite, i,ll thnk of ure son the odd occasion i play it ,,

[@maisymair]

my Grandad loves this kind of music....he is currently going through a tough time in hospital so I am putting music like this on an iPod for him to listen to whilst he is in hospital

[@johnhamiltonathome]

My dad passed awaye today .I will have this played at his funeral R.I.P.

[@ElaineStrachan-e7n]

It's so beautiful.. My mum was a great accordionist.. She played it beautifully.. Thankyou to composer 💕

[@peg1949]

I have never been to Scotland but love this tune, the photos are beautiful and in keeping with the music Thanks

[@azafasha]

played at my brothers funeral fitting tune to leave this earth and sit above polin bay looking down on the splendour below.

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

BEAUTIFULLY DONE 👩🏻‍🏫👵🏻👏🏻🥰‼️

[@edihanley7904]

I used to listen to these brother's I fell in love with their music I loved dark island for these are my mountains and a lot more,I always wonder how there doing.

[@priscillablack2307]

We had this for my dad's funeral Ian Jack Black 2018...born a scotsman died a scotsman lived 50 years in England...he never forgot our lives in Forres Morayshire..we still miss him so so much 💔

[@jackiebrown7229]

Reminds me of when I was a wee lassie and things were guid. R. I. P. Mum and Dad.

[@aprilskies1051]

Brilliant! I grew up listening to this music, accordian and pipes. The scenery here is beautiful...

[@Tyomak-ov]

This song will 100% play at my funeral

[@kawapilot]

such wonderful comments, beautiful tune, and the scenes that match.

[@deemlor]

Played at my granny's funeral when I was just a boy. Cry every time I hear it.

[@kirsttom]

This will always remind me of my Grandparents... miss them every day x x x

[@GoldenOldies60and70s]

This is a beautiful slow-air! One of the best ever recorded in my opinion. The video in this version blends very well! Excellent job!

[@FindlayJenkins]

Beautiful Reminds me so much of south coast of New Zealand no wonder the Scottish Pioneers to NZ were drawn to it Love to visit My Family in Scotland in the Orkney's one day

[@stuartmacleod365]

Thinking of you Dad. John Macleod 21/04/1985. I got a job by the way haha. Stuart. x

[@clairealexander1346]

God Bless. :)

[@edwardmcinally5096]

Great music of this listing My land and your land

[@newcypress4507]

Ahahah

[@murph512tas]

such a brilliant tune, played by a true great accordionest. Brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it played, god help my wedding day(07/08/2010) when this is played as our first dance

[@Velokat1]

Away to the westward, I'm longing to be Where the beauties of heaven unfold by the sea Where the sweet purple heather blooms fragrant and free On a hill-top, high above the Dark Island Oh Isle of my childhood I'm dreaming of thee As the steamer leaves Oban, and passes Tiree Soon I'll capture the magic, that lingers for me When I'm back, once more upon, the Dark Island True gem of the hebrides, bathed in the light Like a midsummer dawning, that follows the night How I yern for the cry, of the seagulls in flight As they circle high above the Dark Island Oh Isle of my childhood I'm dreaming of thee As the steamer leaves Oban, and passes Tiree Soon I'll capture the magic, that lingers for me When I'm back, once more upon, the Dark Island

[@whousay4672]

Thanks for the lyrics. I love this bonny song so now I can sing away untill my hearts content. Tapadh leat gu mor!

[@kimcallaghan3404]

2nd verse is as follows How gentle the breezes that ripple the bay...where the streams meet the ocean and young children play...on a strand of pure silver I'll welcome each day as I roam forever more the Dark Island

[@poltallach]

@johnhamiltonathome We had a piper play this at my Dads funeral as well. What a lovely send off.

[@fionajohnston5206]

I remember this being used for the serial by Robert Barr on the television in the sixties and on the radio in the seventies when I was at school, enchanted by the haunting melody and deliberately setting a date on Friday night to listen to the broadcast

[@quilpiepark]

and played by the wonderful Ian Powrie band with Jimmy Blue on the intro to the series of the same name.

[@jane5147]

Love it

[@barryosullivan100]

Amazing ...brings back memories of my father in Dublin ...jimmy o Sullivan

[@IainFitzpatrick]

Heading back too scotland on the 15th australia is finished.

[@TheEmmy81]

But reminds me the most of my uncle who passed away just a couple of months ago, sad but happy song at the same time.

[@ianmcgregor9851]

my father played this a thousand time on his button key accordion ,Callum Kennedy was his favourite singer

[@Beowulf1ca]

I'll always remember this version when My sister was much younger and danced with the original Scotia Highland dancers, and their rendition of the scots leaving scotland and coming to the new world to the haunting sounds of this melody.

[@nazron9]

Thank You for posting this. The Best version I have heard, brings back memories of childhood.

[@mary37763]

me n ma da use to sing this,god love you dad,miss you more every day,xxx

[@maymcmorrin8380]

Recently found this, it is so beautiful.

[@melodiantime]

I WISH GOODWILL TO YOU TO HAVE A FATHER WHO WAS IN TOUCH WITH THIS FINE SCOTTISH SONG, A BEAUTIFUL MASTERPEICE, AT ONE WITH SOCIETY AND NATURE.

[@BAKER8525]

Love ya Dad! This was your tune! Miss you so much! x

[@yvonnegrant6214]

My Granddad's favourite song, of all times.... The Dark Island... Not for any political sentiments but because it held such memories for him and his kin. RIP

[@fireandrain1]

The memories flood back when I hear this....Dad,.love you and miss you xx

[@marleybu302]

This gives me goosepimples. My parents used to play this at Hogmanay. Miss you mum & dad 🙁

[@johncatto5019]

A truly beautiful tune.

[@TheEmmy81]

This song always reminds me of my childhood, my mum is half Scottish and loves this song and my nan loves me humming to it. The Alexander brothers are the best!!

[@andythepostie85]

Grandas Funeral Song!! Means so much what a great song!! RIP Granda

[@MoiraJ]

Brings back great memory's of my Youth .I thought this was all Tartan and Shortbread. Bhoy was I wrong. Fantastic Video

[@kates5335]

Beautiful version - played at my folks` funerals

[@murph512tas]

Brings a lump to my throat everytime I play this, I hope to get my dad to sing this at my wedding in Derby next August. any body help me in getting the music so my dad can sing this, as it would make my day

[@66dunoon69]

And I thought I was going to be original having Dark Island played at my funeral, guess not. I lived in Scotland for 6 years in the 60's and 70's while being stationed in the Holy Loch. I've fell in love with Scotland, it will always be to me my 2nd home. I've been back numerous times and have seen lots of changes thru the years, most good and some not so good. I have been married to a Glasgow Lass for 56 years I miss Scotland much more than she does. I also plan on having Caledonia and Highland Catheridal also. Fortunately there is a pipe band at the local university, the pipe major is from Dundee. I've even acquired a British style coffin, it pays to plan ahead.

[@donaldriggs5441]

The Dark Island is Benbecula . It is a beautiful and rugged island on the Scottish west coast . I well remember flying a light aircraft in the Western Islands in the late 1970s and I thought that Benbecula was the most beautiful , with nowhere to land if the engine failed !

[@fionajohnston]

When I was at boarding school in Aberdeen. I knew a girl called Mary Ann McCleod, I wonder now if she saw this comment, she would remember me but she also told me that Benbecula was the Dark Island. Funnily enough, Robert Barr wrote a series of thrillers called The Dark Island & Return to the Islands which I listened to avidly on the radio. A few years previously in the early 60's, there was a television version of the program which I watched while on half term. Sadly I could not watch the rest as there was no television at my prep school.

[@royshields186]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@Hogo69]

Nice song, Dark Island is also one of my favorite stouts from Scotland.

[@jasonalexanderrenwick1657]

Thinking of my grandfather 13/3/1924-14/8/2006. He was my best friend and I miss him

[@kawapilot]

wonderful, beautiful tune.

[@IanMcaleer-zg6vz]

Met him in the dark isle. Nice bloke super bar

[@keithmaxwell1]

scotlands always here with a warm glow.god bless.x

[@weeze1972]

my grandads favorite song i used to sing it for him x miss you grandad, x ill always sing this song for you, even to my own little girls, x

[@h24025220w]

I have heard this music played by all sorts of versions but the memory of the auld ane fully kitted and belting it out still makes the hair on my neck stand up but yes you are right 'IT DOES SAY IT ALL'' ' GOD BLESS ALL WHO HALE FROM BONNIE SCOTLAND

[@TheEmmy81]

Great song xx

[@croftamie51]

My favourite song. 7 years a scottish soldier and never took the steamer with my wife until 2008. Had it played at my danish mother in laws funeral.

[@scotlynn142]

To my Mum and Daddy, you left me in the Dark Island when you went home to God. I miss and love you both!

[@andrewavery2800]

This was one of my late mums favourite tunes

[@benwiseman3051]

This was the song that was played at my granda's funeral as he was being carried out.

[@urbankhat65]

Beautiful song.

[@barbarapreston3282]

Beautiful

[@Bobby88441]

Wonderful video, sadly missed now.

[@clairealexander1346]

Hello :) I've got Cowan blood as well.. God Bless.

[@Bobby88441]

wonderfull tune from the Alexander Brothers

[@celestefraser2130]

Just so beautiful, I love you Dad xx

[@ailie55]

It was played at my dad's in 2005 - good choice.

[@aileenblack4271]

I met a girl in inverness or maybe stornoway who told me her father wrote this. Im 68 now so she would be about the same age .i cant remember her name.

[@ghostpiper1]

I am sure you are yearning for home but never forget, your heart will always be here in Scotland. Alba Gu Brath

[@kirsteen123]

The most beautiful tune ever played on the accordian