The Shadow Of The Hill
Darvel is my hometown. A small town in Ayrshire, best known as the birthplace of Sir Alexander Fleming and once a centre of Scotland’s lace-making industry. But its roots run even deeper. Just beyond the town lies Loudoun Hill, the site of Robert the Bruce’s famous victory over Aymer de Valence in 1307. It was a turning point in the Wars of Independence, and a symbol of resistance that still echoes in the land today.
When I was younger, in my mid twenties, I did what a lot of people do when they leave. I distanced myself from Darvel. I moved to Aberdeen, chasing new things, and convinced myself that looking forward meant leaving everything behind. I was, truthfully, a bit of an idiot. Some would say nothing’s changed. But something has. Time has a way of shifting perspective. What I see now is that Darvel didn't do anything wrong, it was me.
Darvel is a remarkable place. The lace industry may have declined, but the people never did. They adapted. They stood. They looked after one another. That spirit of defiance, of quiet strength, is still very much alive—no more so than when Darvel knocked Premier League Aberdeen out of the Scottish Cup (it had to be Aberdeen, right?). A modern reminder of who the town is, and where the people come from.
This song is my letter home. My way of saying sorry for drifting and thank you for holding the line. I wrote it in the style that two of my childhood friends, Stuart Couper and my oldest friend and one of my dearest friends Stevie McCaw, would love. Pipes, whistles, and banging tunes. Bold, full of fire. Just like we were growing up. Just like the town. I also shaped the song’s rhythm to try and emulate the knitting machines that were the town’s heartbeat when we were young, and that I can still hear in my head to this day.
Darvel stood strong while I couldn’t see what was right in front of me. But I see it now. And I’m proud, deeply proud, to say it’s where I’m from.
Finn Moray
Song Lyrics
[Verse 1]
In the shadow of Loudoun Hill,
where the thistle meets the sky,
the Romans came, then Robert rose,
with fire behind his eye.
The spirit of a nation stands,
where the ancient fought to win.
At the foot of our Loudoun Hill,
our story did begin.
[Chorus]
We are the Lang Toon,
the heart of the valley,
woven with grit in the hands of our rally.
Though the mills have gone quiet,
our pride’s never still,
Darvel stands strong, in the shadow of the hill.
[Verse 2]
The bobbins spun, the needles sang,
lace went round the Earth.
From thread and toil came global grace,
born in Ayrshire’s berth.
A weaver's dream, a working hand,
colours that would last.
Though glory fades, our backbone stays,
tied tight to seasons past.
[Chorus]
We are the Lang Toon,
the heart of the valley,
woven with grit in the hands of our rally.
Though the mills have gone quiet,
our pride’s never still,
Darvel stands strong, in the shadow of the hill.
[Bridge]
And when the mighty Dons came down,
a win they did expect,
the Vale lads stood strong and tall,
sent them home with deep regret.
A cup night for the ages,
a conquest all would own,
the little town the Dons looked by
now cut them to the bone.
[Chorus]
We are the Lang Toon,
the heart of the valley,
woven with grit in the hands of our rally.
Though the mills have gone quiet,
our pride’s never still,
Darvel stands strong,
in the shadow of the hill.
[Verse 3]
Fleming learned to wonder here,
on the five mile, rain and rye.
Discovered in his later years
the mould that saved our lives.
Aye, we built, we bled, we dreamed, we led,
and still we rise each day,
with kindness, work, and valley strength
that never fades away.
[Final Chorus]
We are the Lang Toon,
the heart of the valley,
woven with grit in the hands of our rally.
Though the mills have gone quiet,
our pride’s never still,
Darvel stands strong,
in the shadow of the hill.
[Breakdown]
Darvel stands strong,
in the shadow of the hill.