A FORMER First Minister has backed calls to scrap Flower of Scotland as the country’s unofficial national anthem because of its alleged anti-English “chippiness”.
Labour peer Jack McConnell, who was Scotland’s First Minister between 2001 and 2007, supported calls from Scottish rugby coach Jim Telfer to replace the song with something more “positive”.
“At last the movement for a proper national anthem begins,” he said.
“If Wales and other countries can sing something positive so can the Scots.”
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser also added his support, claiming the anthem was “outdated”.
He told The Times: “The time has come to replace the outdated Flower of Scotland. Frankly it does little to stir the emotions and can be considered jingoistic with its tone and lyrics.
“As we celebrate Scottish success at the Commonwealth Games or give our backing at Hampden or Murrayfield, it would be far better going forward if Highland Cathedral was heard.”
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon 'set to pull back on de facto referendum plan'
While Flower of Scotland was penned by Roy Williamson of Scottish folk band the Corries in 1967, Highland Cathedral was composed by German musicians Ultich Roever and Michael Korb for a Highland games held in Germany in 1982.
Jim Telfer made the comments as the release of a new film, The Grudge, details the drama of the Scottish rugby team’s dramatic 1990 Grand Slam win.
He recalled standing next to Princess Anne during his time as a coach as the English national anthem was booed by Scottish fans.
“That was a terrible atmosphere,” the 82-year-old said. “Flower of Scotland is a great song in a way and it does get the hairs on your neck straightening and standing up, but because it’s against another country, I still don’t think it’s the ideal anthem.
READ MORE: BBC Radio Scotland isn't as bad as we think it is – it’s so much worse
“People sing that song, sing about the English, and it’s just in the moment.
“After the anthem has passed, we just get on with the game or whatever it is we’re doing. They use it at the Commonwealth Games and so on but I still don’t think it should be the national anthem. That’s still how I see it.”
The song has been sung by the Scottish national rugby team since 1990 and by the Scottish national football team since 1993.
It details the victory of the Scots over Edward II of England at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel