Flowers of the Forest" is an ancient Scottish folk tune. The original lyrics are unknown, but the melody is thought to have been first recorded between AD 1615-1625. Several lyrical versions have been added to the tune, most notably those of Jean Elliot in 1756.

Utilizing popular poetry selections, she framed the tune as a lament to the deaths of 10,000 Scottish soldiers, who perished along with King James IV and a large number of the nobility, at the Battle of Flodden Field. The song, written in Scots, describes the grief of women and children at the loss of their loved ones.

Bagpipe versions of the song are played at memorial services, funerals and other occasions, such as events held on Remembrance Day which commemorate the war dead. Many individuals in the Commonwealth know the tune simply as "The Lament". Here, we lament the recent passing of our members.

- The Editor