The origins of the lone piper are obscure, although a lone piper has been a feature of Scottish military ceremonies for several hundred years. Traditionally, in Scottish units a lone piper takes the place of a bugler to signal the day’s end to troops and also bids farewell to the dead at funerals and memorial services. “Flowers of the forest” is the tune usually played on these occasions. It is a traditional Scottish lament (song of mourning and remembrance).
“Flowers of the Forest” from 48th Highlanders of Canada Regimental Tunes by Iain Lang.