Which term refers to a folk song with many verses from north-east Scotland?

The term that refers to a folk song with many verses from north-east Scotland is the bothy ballad. Bothy ballads are a distinctive genre of folk music that traditionally emerged from the agricultural laborers’ homes or "bothies" in the region. These songs typically narrate the lives and experiences of rural workers, offering storytelling elements that convey cultural and social themes.

Bothy ballads often feature a simple musical structure that allows for easy singing, making them accessible to a wide audience. Their significance lies in their reflection of the agrarian lifestyle and the community's history and emotions, thereby serving both as entertainment and a means of preserving local heritage.

Reels and jigs are dances rather than songs, and while they are important elements of Scottish folk music, they do not refer to the narrative style associated with bothy ballads. While the term "ballad" can encompass a broad category of narrative songs, it does not specifically denote the unique tradition found in north-east Scotland that characterizes bothy ballads. Thus, the correct choice is bothy ballad, specifically highlighting its regional roots and distinctive features.