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The Garb of Old Gaul (sometimes given as "Auld Gaul") is an 18th-century patriotic Scottish march and song about Highland soldiers during the Seven Years' War.
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Origins
The music was written by General John Reid, who was a senior officer of the 42nd Regiment of Foot (The Black Watch) during the Seven Years' War. The words have traditionally been attributed to Sir Harry Erskine (1710 -1765). Robert Burns described it as "This excellent loyal Scottish song" and states that it first appeared in print in Herd's Collection of 1769. Alternative titles include The Highland Character and The Highland or 42nd Regiment's March. The tune was originally a quick march but was later rearranged as a slow march.
Lyrics
The lyrics of the song are about the martial prowess of Highland soldiers and the perceived British tradition of freedom and fighting against the despotic French. The phrase "Garb of Old Gaul" refers to the traditional Highland dress, ancient Gaul being thought of at the time as the heartland of the Celtic peoples.
The first stanza runs:
In the garb of old Gaul with the fire of old Rome, From the heath-covered mountains of Scotia we come; When the Romans endeavoured our country to gain, Our ancestors fought, and they fought not in vain.Military use
The tune is used by a number of Scottish military units as their regimental march. These include: