We (The Reivers) used to play it when we were active. It was one of my very favorite songs. We learned it from a very early Corries recording when they were "The Corrie Folk Trio with Paddy Bell" and the recording was called "In Retrospect." The historical background given by Celtic-End singer is essentially correct, if somewhat abbreviated. Do learn it, harpgirl, it's a great song! I'm sure you can get hold of a recording of it somewhere.

I've also heard it sung in person (at my request!) by Alex Beaton, a Glaswegian transplanted to California and have it on one of his CDs. (Some of you in the UK may remember Alex as a member of the Cumberland Three which, I believe was a popular singing group over there in the 1960s.) He founded Glenfinnan Music, Ltd. and has prouced abput 20 CDs. Killiecrankie is on a CD entitled "I Have Seen the Highlands." Go to his website, http://www.alexbeaton.com/a.html .
Hope this helps.

Reiver 2