Why is Loch Lomond the last song at Scottish parties and weddings?

For Scottish couples tying the knot, there are traditions like handfasting and drinking from the quaich that have been around for centuries.

However, among the long list of wedding traditions, few are as crucial as finding the perfect song to end the night on a high. Lucky for Scots, they don’t have to think too hard to find a staple.

Loch Lomond has become the ultimate song to round off a couple’s big day, and although its origins are foggy, it can be traced as far back as the Jacobite rising of 1745.

The lyrics have been interpreted in many different ways over the years, but Scots have claimed it as the perfect tune to give Scottish couples a classic send-off.

Usually, weddings draw to a close slowly, with music playing out as the final guests leave the hall. But at a Scottish wedding, guests begin to gather around the newlyweds.

As the opening beats of Loch Lomond (preferably Runrig’s live version) begin, guests will join arm-in-arm and form a circle around the couple.

The crowd, knowing it’s the final song of the night, will sing the lyrics at the top of their lungs, and as the tempo picks up, so does the dancing.

Everyone starts jumping or running in and out of the circle in time with the beat as chaotically as they can, and as the song draws to a close, everyone pulls together for a massive, joyful group embrace or wild jumping session.

It sends the newlyweds off with a sense of unity and joy as they begin the rest of their lives together.

Scottish DJ, Emily Grieve also known as Miss Mobile Disco, said 80% of her weddings see couples opt to play the classic tune at the end of their big day.

“I think it’s such a crescendo for the end of the night. I think that’s why a lot of Scottish couples like it, everyone knows it’s the last song,” she told STV News.

“It’s also emotional. I’ve seen people crying to it. I don’t know much about the history but it conjures up emotions.”

However, she added that you have to play the right version of the song, which is Runrig’s live version, something fellow wedding disc jockey Gordy Is A DJ agrees with.

“The majority of people know that version, and it’s the best one by far in my opinion, it really builds up and gets the crowd singing along,” he told STV News.

As for why Scots opt for the tune, he said: “It’s sentimental and patriotic, and I always say to every couple it’s crucial to end on a high. Loch Lomond is a good way to get people gathered together and end the night.”

“Also, like me, a lot of people chose to pop the question by Loch Lomond so it becomes special in that way.”

Although she doesn’t mind the song, Emily said playing it can sometimes be like “taking your life in your own hands” when the crowd gets going.

“As a woman, it’s quite intimidating; people can get quite rowdy with it, quite chanty and a bit of football vibe,” she said.

“Sometimes I dread it a bit, to be honest. I’m usually the only person in charge at that point, and there are 150 people surging. But it ends the wedding on a high.”

Emily explained that she’s often left hanging onto her booth, which has been shoved into her on occasions, and even had the lights knocked off.

Despite it being a popular choice, Emily admitted that she herself didn’t choose to have Loch Lomond at the end of her nuptials last month.

“We didn’t have it at our wedding, I personally am not a big fan of it, my husband’s from Cornwall too, so it’s not quite the same,” she said.

She added that although it is mostly Scottish couples who request it, she has also had Americans who choose to get married here pick it.

“People from the US come over here to get married, and want the full Scottish experience, so I walk them through it,” she said.

Although Loch Lomond is still just as popular today, some Scots opt to pick a different tune to end the night with.

“I do a lot of non-traditional weddings, and people will sometimes like to pick something else, Gimme Gimme Gimme by ABBA or Dignity by Deacon Blue is quite a popular choice for people wanting to do something different,” Emily added.