It narrowly missed out on the UK Top 40 Singles Charts, peaking at number forty-one in the United Kingdom, and since its release, the song has become an unofficial anthem for Hibernian F.C.

The song has been described as an "anthem of love" by the BBC, who later reported it has "brought communities together and touched lives" since its original release.

[7] Bill Wyman of the Chicago Reader commented that the song, which he thought to be "a cross between a hymn and an Eagles tune", "genuinely reaches," describing the track as a "'I'm in love and happy to ever have been born' tearjerker".

[8] "Sunshine on Leith" has become a prominent song for families to play during funeral services in the bands native Scotland, partly in course due to its lyrics such as "my heart is broken" and "my tears are drying, thank you".

[10] "Sunshine on Leith" is played frequently at Easter Road Stadium by Edinburgh-based football team Hibernian, of whom the band are supporters.