The Big Song Relay: Here's To All Our Common Wealth

I've been rather enjoying the Independence Debate lately - mostly because of the accusations being flung about that certain actions performed by MSPs or local councils are 'political.' In the words of Skunk Anansie...

So - all this stuff about the Commonwealth: is that political? Does it suggest that countries are able to go it alone without being part of a British Empire? Or does it reaffirm the unity of the British nation state.

And what about the name of the organisation behind this event: Hands Up for Trad? Does it imply a conservative agenda, or are they just big fans of Acker Bilk?

Press Release Begins...

It is part of the Big Big Sing, and they have a specially commissioned song to accompany the Queen's Baton Relay as it travels across Scotland ahead of the Commonwealth Games. 

The Big Song Relay will bring together singers from all over Scotland to form choirs, lining the route of the Queen's Baton Relay as part of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Cultural programme.

Here's to All Our Common Wealth will be passed from choir to choir along the route, uniting communities and celebrating the excitement of the day.

Here's to All Our Common Wealth was written by Phil Cunningham, Karine Polwart, Alison Burns and Findlay Napier. The song captures the idea of Scotland's distinct common wealth: its land, communities and people.

Simon Thoumire, Creative Director of Hands Up for Trad says: "We are really excited to announce this song. It is all about the Scots looking outward to the Commonwealth community and sharing our talents and culture with the world"

Svend Brown, Director of Big Big Sing says: “Big Big Sing is all about taking the world stage of the Commonwealth Games as an opportunity to inspire as many people as possible to join in singing and enjoying the benefits that brings. 'Here's to All Our Common Wealth' gives us another great tune in the Big Big Commonwealth Songbook, one that we can all share and enjoy.”

If you are in a choir and would like to take part in The Big Song Relay, please visit: and click on Big Song Relay. You can get in touch with Hands up for Trad from there.

Anyone can sing 'Here's to All Our Common Wealth': it is available to download in Scots, Gaelic and English.  Backing tracks and learning materials suitable for all abilities will be available soon.

Big Big Sing, which is set to be one of the highlights of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme, aims to get thousands of people across the UK singing in celebration of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and to enjoy the social, physical and mental health benefits of singing. Big Big Sing is a nationwide project providing singers, choirs and anyone interested in trying singing with a wealth of resources, training and performance opportunities up and down the country, throughout the year.

A choir, yesterday