Just thought I'd get my tuppence worth in here. I come from a family of Irish immigrant Travellers and family legend goes that Richard McKay from Armagh; 1800- 1897; who happens to be one of my ancestors wrote this travellers' song! The version the family knows, does not have the verse pertaining to shipbuilding on the Clyde! Some of the words used in the song are I think Cant words
He is also given credit for writing the Irish song Sweet Carnlough Bay which then became The Road and the Miles to Dundee when Richard made his home in Blairgowrie where he was also buried. Many of his descendants made their home in Dundee and are still there to this day. Just thought this would interest some of you   Molly