South from Isle of Skye
Miss Mcleod‘s comes to us from the Isles of Skye and Raasay in Northern Scotland. It was apparently written for a young lady named Miss MacLeod, from Raasay. Therefore, you might be wondering how it got from ‘Mac’ to ‘Mc’. Well, I haven’t a clue. I’ve seen it spelled both ways. As a result, I’ll spell it both ways throughout this page, (just for search purposes).
Another famous MacLeod from Raasay is Calum MacLeod. He spent many years of his life building a road (by hand) on the Isle of Raasay. His endeavors were inspiration for the strathspey by Capercaillie, called Calum’s Road.
The image you see above is from the top of a hill in Glenfinnan, Scotland, overlooking Loch Shiel. After spending some time on the Isle of Skye, we were headed for Oban (going to visit the whiskey distillery). I wanted to watch the Jacobite Express (steam engine) as it crossed the Glenfinnan Viaduct. While it was a little out of our way, we still decided to take it in. And I’m glad we did. Another beautiful drive, and some great photo opportunities.
However, we missed the train by about 10 minutes!
The Tune
Originally from Scotland, the tune seems to have gained huge popularity in Ireland and North America. Therefore, many different versions, in several different keys can be found throughout the folk music scene.
In addition, it goes by many different names. Often called “MacLeod’s Reel” or “MacLeod of Raasay“, in Scotland. Elsewhere, it’s usually referred to as “Miss Mcleod“, or “Miss Mcleod’s Reel”. Many North American fiddlers may know it as “Hop High Ladies” or “Did You Ever Meet the Devil, Uncle Joe”.
Probably the most common key for this tune in North America is the Key of G major.
Listen to “Miss Macleod” for mandolin:
Miss Mcleod’s Reel
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I hope you enjoy this version of Miss Mcleod’s Reel.
Please feel free to leave comments below.
Cy…
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