The Saltire and Lion Rampant
Flutter in the cool summer breeze,
As we march to the slow drum
Underneath the sunlit trees.
We are here to honour
The passing of one of our own,
A good and honourable friend
Who has departed for home.
He has taken the low road*
And will be in Scotland before us,
He was a loyal and honest man
Who never betrayed a trust.
*According to Scottish legend when Scots die in another country, they are said to be taking the Low Road home. This is the route that the spirits travel.
“Take the low road” has been immortalised in the song “Loch Lomond” from the story of two Scottish prisoners who were imprisoned in England after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. One was to be executed in the morning and the other was to be released.
The soldier being released would take the high road over the mountains and the soldier who was to be executed would take the low road, the route for the souls of the dead. “I’ll take the low road and I’ll be in Scotland afore ye.”
Ronnie's Blog 
This is so inspiring, Ronnie!
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Thank you, Carol. I wrote the post because my best friend died recently.
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This is a beautiful tribute to you friend, Ronnie. I am so sorry to hear about your loss and send healing thoughts to you. 💜
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Thank you Carol, I appreciate that very much.
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Heart-wrenching song. Like I’ve said before, I must have a bit
O the Scottish in me, the songs just slay my soul.
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Thanks, Genie. There are a lot of versions of “Loch Lomond”; I chose this version because it is an old friend singing it.
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I enjoyed this story!
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I’m glad you liked it. I wrote the poem when a good friend died recently.
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I’m sorry to hear that. Hope you’re doing ok.
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Thanks Rob. I’ll be better as time goes on. Two dear friends died
on the same day, so the coping mechanisms have been a wee bit confused. As you will know, some things are difficult to accept initially. It was pointed out to me last night that I have been in denial regarding at least one of the losses. Being aware of that points my thinking in the right direction.
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One day at a time Ronnie. Be vigilant to grieve good and proper, or it will slowly come up again and drop you to your knees.
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Thank you, I will.
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