Why do hibs sing sunshine on leith

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Hibernian FC fans sing 'Sunshine on Leith' as their anthem because it was adopted in the 1990s, specifically after the 1998 Scottish Cup Final, to celebrate their Edinburgh roots and community identity. The song, originally by The Proclaimers, became a regular fixture at matches starting around 1996-1997, with fans embracing its emotional lyrics about their hometown. It gained prominence after being played at the 2016 Scottish Cup Final victory, where over 100,000 fans sang it, and is now sung at every home game at Easter Road Stadium, which has a capacity of 20,421.

Key Facts

Hibernian FC adopted 'Sunshine on Leith' as their anthem in the 1990s, with regular use starting around 1996-1997.
The song was prominently sung after the 1998 Scottish Cup Final, where Hibs lost 2-1 to Hearts, reinforcing its emotional connection.
It became a major tradition after the 2016 Scottish Cup Final victory, with over 100,000 fans singing it at Hampden Park, ending a 114-year trophy drought.
The anthem is performed at every home game at Easter Road Stadium, which has a capacity of 20,421 seats.
'Sunshine on Leith' was originally released by The Proclaimers in 1988 and reflects the band's and club's shared Edinburgh heritage.

Overview

Hibernian FC, commonly known as Hibs, is a Scottish professional football club based in the Leith area of Edinburgh, founded in 1875. The adoption of 'Sunshine on Leith' as the club's anthem stems from its deep-rooted connection to the local community and identity. In the 1990s, fans began singing the song, originally by The Proclaimers—twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid, who are from Edinburgh and lifelong Hibs supporters. The anthem gained traction after the 1998 Scottish Cup Final, where Hibs lost to rivals Hearts, but fans sang it passionately, symbolizing resilience and pride in their hometown. Over time, it evolved into a pre-match and post-match tradition, especially at Easter Road Stadium, reflecting the club's history and the emotional bond with Leith, a historic port district. The song's lyrics, which celebrate Edinburgh and its people, resonate with fans' sense of place and heritage, making it a unifying force during matches and club events.

How It Works

The mechanism behind Hibs fans singing 'Sunshine on Leith' involves a combination of fan-led adoption, club endorsement, and emotional triggers during key moments. Initially, in the mid-1990s, supporters started spontaneously singing the song at matches, driven by its local relevance and The Proclaimers' association with the club. The process was organic, with fans gradually incorporating it into matchday rituals, such as before kick-off or after victories. In 1998, after the Scottish Cup Final loss, the singing became more widespread, as it provided a cathartic expression of loyalty. The club later formalized this by playing the song over the stadium speakers, typically at the end of home games, encouraging fan participation. Technological aspects include the use of PA systems at Easter Road to cue the song, while social media and fan forums have helped sustain the tradition. The anthem works as a communal activity, with lyrics displayed on screens or led by supporters' groups, fostering a shared experience that strengthens team spirit and fan cohesion, especially during high-stakes events like cup finals.

Why It Matters

The singing of 'Sunshine on Leith' matters because it enhances fan identity, boosts morale, and has real-world impacts on club culture and community engagement. It serves as a powerful symbol of Hibs' Edinburgh roots, differentiating the club from rivals and reinforcing local pride. In practical terms, the anthem has been linked to increased fan attendance and emotional investment, notably during the 2016 Scottish Cup win, which ended a long trophy drought and was celebrated with mass sing-alongs. This tradition also strengthens social bonds among supporters, contributing to a positive matchday atmosphere that can influence team performance. Beyond football, it has cultural significance, promoting Leith and Edinburgh through media coverage and events, such as charity fundraisers where the song is performed. The anthem's role in fan rituals underscores the importance of music in sports, providing a non-commercial way to express loyalty and unity, which can enhance the club's brand and community outreach efforts.