In this live performance, exclusive to stv.tv, Sandi Thom sings her version of Scottish folk ballad “Caledonia”, the official anthem for Homecoming Scotland’s celebrations in 2009.
“Caledonia”, written by Dougie MacLean, is particularly fitting as Scotland’s Homecoming theme. The song is about a Scot’s desire to return to his homeland, exemplifying the Scottish Government’s hope that the celebrations will attract ex-pats from all over the world to return to their roots.
The song’s chorus goes: "Caledonia, you're calling me and now I'm going home. And if I should become a stranger, you know it would make me more than sad. Caledonia's been everything I've ever had."
"Caledonia" has been covered by various acts including Frankie Miller, Fish and more recently Paulo Nutini. Famously, it was used as the soundtrack for a Tennent’s lager commercial in the 1980s. It can also be heard at the close of the night at birthday bashes and Christmas parties all over Scotland.
Scots singer Thom embarks on her Homecoming Tour on Friday and will be joined by First Minister Alex Salmond for a one-off duet of the song during her show in Banff on 5 February.
Their collaboration will be somewhat of a “homecoming” for the area as Mr Salmond is the Aberdeenshire town's MP, while Thom hails from nearby Macduff.
Thom also performed at the official Homecoming Burns Supper at the weekend to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the poet’s birth.
See her perform Flow Gently Sweet Afton at the official Homecoming Burns Supper here.
More on Robert Burns and Scottish Homecoming at stv.tv/homecoming
