Folk Song Celebrating Cameron Ormiston © 2012
Ride-on In Peace dear Highlander: Ewan Cameron Ormiston 07 April 1929 - 29 August 2014
October 2011, he helped Griff Rhys Jones (The Griffalo), film Highland cattle on and for Drovers Roads; part of a new BBC series - Britain’s Lost Routes.
Cameron looked like Errol Flynn in his youth, and actually rode for him in The Master of Ballantrae film [1953]; he's no stranger to making movies (T-shirts).
2008 Torrin Of Croila, took the most prestigious Mountain and Moorland ridden titles at Olympia: M&M Champion via Horse&Hound and Earlier years
This photo taken by Billy Brooks shows Cameron at 82, on his pony Noire Of Croila (Blue) at 18 (100 years between them), going over The Devil's Staircase in Glen Coe; which inspired initial lyrics.
Photo used with kind permission, please view Cameron Ormiston's Facebook Fan Page for other key photos. Or pop along to Newtonmore Riding Centre run by his son, and my friend; Ruaridh Ormiston. Saddle up and enjoy a great ride out.
Lyrics: Riding Drovers’ Roads – Celebrating Cameron Ormiston © 2012
One hundred years between them, riding ancient routes;
Droving Highland cattle, they’re on the drovers’ roads.
Against a moody backdrop; cloudy skies and snow capped mountains,
Travelling companions, frae Skye tae Strathearn.
At least they hinnae Jacobites tae fear; just chilling winds, peat bogs ‘n sleety rain.
You’re sure to find your share; riding drovers’ roads.
Droving Highland cattle, they’re on the drovers’ roads.
Against a moody backdrop; cloudy skies and snow capped mountains,
Travelling companions, frae Skye tae Strathearn.
At least they hinnae Jacobites tae fear; just chilling winds, peat bogs ‘n sleety rain.
You’re sure to find your share; riding drovers’ roads.
His eighteen year, Highland steed; Blue, affectionately named,
Noire Of Croila, was bred in rider’s stud.
This fine grey mare will fondly follow her tweed-plaid-ride in any weather,
Fillies know’n his history, think him part stallion!
At eighty-two he still rides bareback ably - in deerstalker, or riding a deer saddle.
Memories keep you warm; riding drovers’ roads.
Noire Of Croila, was bred in rider’s stud.
This fine grey mare will fondly follow her tweed-plaid-ride in any weather,
Fillies know’n his history, think him part stallion!
At eighty-two he still rides bareback ably - in deerstalker, or riding a deer saddle.
Memories keep you warm; riding drovers’ roads.
To the Highland Way, they’re heided doon The Devil’s Staircase;
Plenty jeopardy and danger, found around Glen Coe.
Ormiston’s the man tae hae, o’er the Highland plains or The Rob Roy Way;
Un-phased Errol Flynn films wi' The Griffalo.
Cam’ has T-shirts for The Missionary, Highlander, Chasing ‘i Deer and Rob Roy.
Lifetime of experience; riding drovers’ roads.
Plenty jeopardy and danger, found around Glen Coe.
Ormiston’s the man tae hae, o’er the Highland plains or The Rob Roy Way;
Un-phased Errol Flynn films wi' The Griffalo.
Cam’ has T-shirts for The Missionary, Highlander, Chasing ‘i Deer and Rob Roy.
Lifetime of experience; riding drovers’ roads.
Tae some a living legend, Hielan kindness redefined,
He hisnae lost his talent frae The Balivil Hotel.
A man’s man, a ladies man, he’s broke mare hearts than a’ his bones.
Happy wi a bullring crowd, or stalkin’ on his own.
Show President o‘ Highland ponies; Trekking pioneer, toasts Diamond Jubilee!
Aye ready for a Ceilidh; riding drovers’ roads.
Originating champion of local skiing, and tourism,
Therein at the start of The Aviemore Centre.
A hair’s breadth from a Highland Chief, weel, Highland Councillor a while,
Revered equine judge, and aye of people tae.
Nae blushin’ noo he’s joking wi’ Her Majesty; mutual statesmanlike revere.
He hisnae lost his talent frae The Balivil Hotel.
A man’s man, a ladies man, he’s broke mare hearts than a’ his bones.
Happy wi a bullring crowd, or stalkin’ on his own.
Show President o‘ Highland ponies; Trekking pioneer, toasts Diamond Jubilee!
Aye ready for a Ceilidh; riding drovers’ roads.
Originating champion of local skiing, and tourism,
Therein at the start of The Aviemore Centre.
A hair’s breadth from a Highland Chief, weel, Highland Councillor a while,
Revered equine judge, and aye of people tae.
Nae blushin’ noo he’s joking wi’ Her Majesty; mutual statesmanlike revere.
Olympia’s win, trophies, pride; riding drovers’ roads.
Cameron’s a man apart, we’d all need years to tell our part;
His family an’ friends, and doubtless, even toons.
Lovable, with a heart of gold, beating under frank wise words,
Dear friend o’ my dad, who awaits a Pearly Tryst.
He taught me how to stalk Red Deer; his road and door is open tae me aye.
Till Telford’s future comes; riding drovers’ roads.
Till Telford’s future comes; he’s riding drovers’ roads.
Till Telford’s future comes; we’re riding drovers’ roads.
Footnotes:
Many drover roads were substantially upgraded, and/or carved up, to make way for mechanical means of transportation. The engineering genius of Thomas Telford, among others, often chose to build their new roads on/or alongside drover roads, due to their original well built nature and siting.
Quite possibly, I was conceived at The Balivil Hotel in Newtonmore, that Cameron & Olive then owned and ran. My father and Cam (as he knew him) became great friends. Cameron sold the hotel to buy Strathmashie (once visited by Queen Victoria), and taught me about deer stalking there. His son Dochy then took me onto my first and only Royal Stag. It was quite a time!
Quite possibly, I was conceived at The Balivil Hotel in Newtonmore, that Cameron & Olive then owned and ran. My father and Cam (as he knew him) became great friends. Cameron sold the hotel to buy Strathmashie (once visited by Queen Victoria), and taught me about deer stalking there. His son Dochy then took me onto my first and only Royal Stag. It was quite a time!
Nostalgia:
Pathe News b&w video clip of Cameron Ormiston in 1952, leading the first Treks at the age
of 23; probably not long after his National Service: Holiday
on horseback Pathe News in colour: Pony Trekking 1959 And was included as part of the BBC4 Series The Story of British Pathe, aired on BBC4 autumn 2011.
Photo was by Billy Brooks
ReplyDeleteThanks Billy, sorry! Updated :)
DeletePlease is there any way I can buy that song as mp3? I have worked at the Balavil Arms Hotel from 1965-1968. Cameron became one of my oldest friends and we still keep in contact. I would like to play this song at a Pony Show near Hamburg/Germany in summer 2014 when my own Highland Pony is being presentet there.
ReplyDeleteHi Gudrid, perhaps you'd like me to play it live? :)
DeleteDelighted to receive your request, unfortunately I haven't a downloadable copy available as yet, though it's coming. However, if you let me know when your show is I'm sure I can organise a reasonably decent recording for you on mp3. I should have something soon on The Plucky Haggis YouTube channel before then too (presently empty, though I think you can follow me and get notified when a new post/recording is out).
I have the publish rights for comments here, so I won't publish your personal details. Alternatively, I can post mine tomorrow & delete it upon your confirmation of receipt.
I've just finished off new songs 11 & 12: The Stingy Scotsman & Black Matching Tie - AudioBoo recordings due out soon (mainly for protection). But that's enough for a first album, perhaps a double - if I add my best 10 covers or so :)
Cheers! - TPH