DUMFRIES singer songwriter and Tartan Army fanatic Jake Pollock has had a crack at writing a song for Scotland as they gear up for the upcoming European Football Championships in Germany.
‘Alba gu Bràth’ – which literally translates to ‘Scotland Forever’ – was written and recorded in St Andrew’s, where the 18-year-old attends university to study maths.
The former St Joseph’s College student teamed up with fellow student, and producer Rob Johnstone to construct the song.
Guitar and lead vocals were performed by Jake, Rob played the bass and sang backing vocals and Narayan Murti was the drummer.
Jake said: “I wanted to create a chorus that could potentially be sung at the football with purposeful words that the people of Scotland could get behind.
“‘Alba gu Bràth’ is a famous Gaelic phrase that translates to ‘Scotland forever’ and is used to show allegiance to Scotland.”
He hopes it’s a feel-good song with catchy lyrics and says he was inspired partly by ‘Bubbles’ by Biffy Clyro.
“I hope the song can add to the optimism that exists across Scotland,” added Jake, who has been attending Scotland games home and away with his father, Steven, since the age of six.
The pair travel to matches with the rest of the Prestwick Tartan Army.
Many of the lyrics in ‘Alba gu Bràth’ were inspired by Jake’s personal experiences in following Scotland and he said: “It was my Dad who originally convinced me to write a song for Scotland at the Euros.”
Meanwhile, Jake has managed to get his hands on a coveted ticket for each of the matches in Germany.
He said: “I am fortunate to be attending all the games. I have very high hopes and I have genuinely never been more excited for anything.”
His song can be heard on YouTube as well as all major streaming platforms where he has other tracks uploaded.
He added: “To me music is more than a hobby, however right now I cannot see it becoming a full-time career. I certainly don’t do it for the money as it barely makes any.
“For as long as anyone out there appreciates my songs that will always be enough motivation for me to continue with music.
“The support and feedback, I have received has been overwhelming. I am very appreciative to everyone who is able to enjoy this track.”
