Richard -
Aye, weel - if they dinna care tae learn whit the true meaning o' yon sang is - then hell mend them!
I thing it wad be sacrilege tae change the words intae standard inglis for the masses wha canna be botherit---

meantime I will continue to sing all the verses, no' jist the twa, and use the auld tune - it is a bonnie sang, no' raucous, full o' sentiment and reminiscence.

Scots words and phrases have more depth than might appear - not straight translations from one language to another (e.g. Freedom Come A' Ye - phrases like "a' they rogues that ging gallus, fresh and gay" paint an amazing picture if you seek out the full meaning.

Akenaton- I suppose it is the age we have reached, but do we no' seem tae have lost an awfy lot o' singers and musicians in the last twa/three years? Thank goodness we have such braw memories o' their sangs and tunes, a' the sessions in Whistlefield, McRailds place in Strachur, Ardentinny, Tam Hill's ferm, festivals?
I thought I would spend my retirement singin' wi' a' ma freens fae the fowk club an' the like - but the hauf o them are deid! Dammit!!

In many situations a Scots word or phrase will allow me to express thoughts and feelings in a way English cannot.