Music, dance and storytellingEuropeSecular and civic
Kate Dalrymple
A traditional Scottish reel and comic Scots song about a muirland spinster
Kate Dalrymple is a traditional Scottish reel and comic Scots song from Scotland. First published as a dance tune in 1750 and later paired with lyrics by William Watt, it remains a well-known piece in Scottish dance music.
Kate Dalrymple is a traditional Scottish reel and humorous song that holds an established place in Scottish folk music and dance. First published in the mid-eighteenth century, the tune provides music for social reels and country dancing. Its accompanying Scots lyrics recount the comic story of a rural spinster who finds romance only after inheriting wealth, making the melody both a beloved dance piece and a familiar piece of comic storytelling.
The reel and melody
Kate Dalrymple is a traditional Scottish reel that originated as an instrumental dance piece. The tune was first published in 1750 under the title The New Highland Laddie. Dancers and musicians across Scotland used the brisk melody to accompany traditional reels. As a piece of dance music, it carries a lively tempo intended for social gatherings, remaining a staple of the Scottish country dance tradition for centuries after its initial appearance in print.
Story of the song
The Scots song associated with the tune was composed by William Watt of East Kilbride. The lyrics tell a comic story about Kate Dalrymple, an unmarried woman living on the muirland. Regarded as plain and unattractive, Kate is initially unable to attract any suitors. Her fortunes change dramatically after she receives an inheritance of wealth. Following her newfound prosperity, a willing partner soon appears to court her, giving the song its lighthearted and satirical conclusion.
Recordings and broadcasting
The tune gained wider modern popularity through prominent recordings and radio broadcasts. Musician Jimmy Shand recorded a version of the reel in 1955, reinforcing its standing in twentieth-century Scottish traditional music. The melody also reached wide audiences through British broadcasting, where the BBC selected it as the opening theme tune for Take the Floor, the dedicated Scottish dance music show on BBC Radio Scotland.
How Kate Dalrymple is kept
Musicians play Kate Dalrymple as a reel for traditional Scottish social dancing, setting a brisk tempo for dancers. The piece is performed on traditional instruments in dance bands and ceilidhs. Beyond dance halls, singers perform the Scots verses penned by William Watt as a comic folk song, and radio listeners hear the melody as the signature theme of BBC Radio Scotland's dance music programme.
When and where
The melody has no set calendar date or season. Musicians play it throughout the year at social dances, musical gatherings, and weekly radio broadcasts.
The reel is played throughout Scotland and wherever Scottish traditional dance and music are performed. It is particularly tied to East Kilbride, the home of lyricist William Watt, and is broadcast nationally across Scotland on the radio.
What Kate Dalrymple means
The song uses humor to comment on courtship and social standing. By showing how an unexpected inheritance quickly attracts a willing partner where romance was previously impossible, the story offers an entertaining, satirical reflection on human motives and rural life.
Questions people ask about Kate Dalrymple
What is Kate Dalrymple?
It is a traditional Scottish reel and comic Scots song. The melody dates back to the eighteenth century, while the lyrics describe the story of an unmarried woman who finds a suitor after inheriting a fortune.
Who wrote the lyrics to the song?
The Scots lyrics to the melody were written by William Watt, a writer from East Kilbride. His words tell the humorous tale of Kate Dalrymple, a muirland spinster.
Where is the melody commonly heard?
The tune is played for Scottish country dancing and was recorded by Jimmy Shand in 1955. It also serves as the theme music for BBC Radio Scotland's dance music show Take the Floor.
See also
Christmas carolFestive songs and hymns sung during the Christmas season and door to door
SteelpanA tuned percussion tradition forged from industrial steel containers in Trinidad
Morris danceA rhythmic English folk dance performed in costume with bells, sticks and handkerchiefsRapper swordA fast-paced five-person sword dance from the coalfields of North East England, kept alive by teams worldwide.Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Kate Dalrymple", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryParampara rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.
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