Irish Rovers, The Dark Island

Geoffrey Kelly on whistle, George Millar on guitar, Wilcil McDowell on accordion, Sean O'Driscoll on box, Ian Millar on bass, Morris Crum on keyboards, Fred Graham on drums. Video recorded over a series of concerts during the March tour, 2013.
Video by JJ Fahrni
Dark Island tune was written by Iain MacLachlan.

[singapore]

This was my late father's favourite song. He was a Yorkshireman born and bred. Born in 1930, in the winter of 1947 he travelled from Kingston Upon Hull to Fort George near Inverness to join The Seaforth Highlanders (it took him 24 hours to travel to Fort George). He even walked the 14 miles from Inverness to Ardesier. (Bear in mind it was the middle of winter and he was 17). He served for 22 years. This tune is very haunting and every time I hear the song or tune it brings back memories of my father listening to his Scottish folk songs on his record player. I am forever indebted to my father for the upbringing he gave us albeit strict. I miss my father so much. My dad, my hero.

[kathleendunworth]

My grandparents from Glasgow, they left for America, grandad got work in steelmills of Pittsburgh, I am so lucky to hane been born there BUT never forgot my roots.

[kathleenkeane]

NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS MAN PLAYING, BEYOND AMAZING. THANK YOU.

[SugaryCecilia]

I am now 63 years old and have grown up thanks to my Mom with the Irish Rovers From Our Little Green guy to the man in the middle that had a sparkling face even back in the 60s. Now it is 2020 still enjoying and may I give a special thank you to the fife player in the background but mean so much.

[catrionamackenzie]

My grandad used to play this on his mouthie and I'd sit on his lap. Still my favourite Highland song to sing.

[jimoturner]

Just discovered this song on my Spotify, weekly discovery. Just wow! I'm plumber by trade and heard it at work, made the whole crew listen to it.

[Neilsowards]

thank goodness for Youtube and the people who post these amazing performances for people like me who can not see them in person. Thank you so much.

[thesingingscarf]

Wonderful, my very good friend and work colleague came from Dingwall, he was an amazing person and sadly missed, Dark Isle played at his funeral ❤️

[Neilsowards]

I first heard this song in Nenw Zealand years ago at a Scottish dinner that was open to the public. A lady sang it and I fell in love with it.

[bluebrian]

This is really a testament that it doesn't matter what instrument the soul decides to express it's feelings.This is a $10 whistle that owned my heart.God this is good.

[delby]

This is the first time I'm watching this video. A brilliant rendition of this wonderful tune. To see Geoffrey playing the tin whistle....well....it makes it even more special. I love Spirit of the West.

[JohnAitken-sp]

Brilliant I remember talking to this artist in a pub and asked if he could play that. Yes he did and it was brilliant to as a musician to play something and they did it for you right away thank u

[johnaitken]

remembering you playing that song for me in awee pub in portpatrick for me and it is still the best version thati have heard thanks and see you again john from glasgow

[allybally]

A wonderful tribute to this song. Thank you.

[ThomasKirkwood-be]

Beautiful song, had it played on bagpipes at my mums funeral

[babybookworm]

I saw these guys in concert last sat it was amazing

[thesingingscarf]

This song is wonderful when sang in Gaelic

[bluebrian]

Hauntingly beautiful.I played this arrangement through guitar.Not easy, lol.

[rudybarry]

That, me son, was fawk'in wicked, ...that whistle...the feeling and emotion....sweet

[FionaKay-juuq]

Its always played at my family funeral's