Sky Boat Song

Bonnie Prince Charlie's dramatic escape to the Isle of Skye inspired one of Britain's most famous folk songs, and opening song lines, 'Speed bonnie boat'. The song tells the tale of Bonnie Prince Charlie (Prince Charles Edward Stuart and grandson of James II and VII of Scotland), dressed in disguise as fair maiden ‘Betty Burke’, serving maid to Flora MacDonald. On 27 June 1746, accompanied by a crew of six boatmen and two servants, ‘Betty Burke’ and Flora sailed from Benbecula to Skye, landing