Wrong song
I find that melody very pleasant, but anyone singing an anthem should be able to associate the words with a positive forward vision for the country, in my opinion.
Above all, I deplore any reference to warfare and aggression. This song is an emotional and moving expression of deep personal feelings, but not suitable in this context.
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Hide AdScots Wha Ha’e is even less appropriate: it is nothing more than a call to arms, appealing to Scots “who have bled” and welcoming them to their “gory bed”.
Where is the threat to us of “chains and slavery” nowadays?
Like Flower of Scotland, this emotion-packed, rousing song – really a speech – is effective in its own sphere, but it refers to a single battle campaign seven centuries ago; is that suitable as an anthem?
Not, in my view, if it is obviously antagonistic to a former enemy; that, of course, also includes God Save the Queen.
Robert Dow
Ormiston Road
Tranent, East Lothian