Sunshine on Leith: Lyrics & How The Proclaimers Song Became Hibernian Anthem

The Proclaimers' 1988 song "Sunshine on Leith" has become the unofficial anthem of Hibernian FC, recently going viral after fans sang it following a 2026 Scottish League Cup semi-final win against Hearts. Although the track originally peaked at number 41 on the UK Singles Chart, it became firmly established as a club anthem among supporters over subsequent decades.

The song's deep connection to Hibernian dates back to the 1990s "Hands off Hibs" campaign, which successfully fought a hostile takeover bid by then Hearts chairman Willie Mercer. The Proclaimers performed the track at a campaign rally at Edinburgh's Usher Hall, cementing its status as an enduring symbol of survival and local pride in the historic Leith district.