The Story Behind The Outlander’s Skye Boat Song

Dear Diary,

I’ve mentioned a couple of times that I’m an Outlander fan. I mean, I’ve got a cat called Jamie after all … 

But there’s more to my obsession. Outlander features one of my favourite theme songs. 

I can listen to it on repeat.

But whilst listening to it, I always wondered what the song is actually about.

Who is the lass it’s referring to? And why is she heading to Skye (a beautiful Scottish island, by the way!).

So, I did some digging to find out more about its origin.

The Skye Boat Song 

Apparently, the song is a 19th-century adaptation of a Gaelic song called “Skye Boat Song” that was composed around 1782 by a man called William Ross. It’s about a lover who is rejected. Same old story …  

Some changes have been made in the 19th-century adaptation. 

The song now talks about the journey of Bonnie Prince Charles from Benbecula (an isle in the Outer Hebrides) to Skye. 

The prince was fleeing after his defeat at the famous Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Fun fact: he was supposedly disguised as a maid. And no other than Flora MacDonald (a well-known Scottish gentlewoman) was the one rowing the boat. 

That must have been quite a journey.

Bear McCreary then adapted the song again to fit the Outlander story. That’s when the lad became a lass. The lass being the main character, Claire. Makes sense, no?

And what better way to finish off this wee history lesson than by listening to it?