An embarrassment of anthems

Published on Monday 9 November 2009 20:13

IN AN age of pastiche and often meaningless national anthems, Scotland is blessed – and on occasion cursed – by having at least four. But which is the "right" anthem that Scots athletes should sing at the Commonwealth Games?

Four have now been short-listed – Scotland the Brave, Flower of Scotland, Loch Lomond and Highland Cathedral. All four have passionate advocates and a strong claim to be selected.

So how is agreement to be reached? Perhaps we could follow the South African example and have two anthems played. Alternatively, the composer James MacMillan could be charged with blending the four melodies into one. This, however, runs the risk of Scotland having an anthem longer than some of the more demonstrative South American republics, and with confusion over where the entire anthem ends. The ceremony times for the Games may have to be extended.

A decisive method of selection would have been to lock up the officials and tell them that failure to agree would result in the adoption of God Save the Queen. However, a more democratic method has been adopted, with an X-Factor-type vote amongst the athletes and officials for a shortlist of two at an awards dinner .The final decision will rest with the athletes. Scotland will stand, whichever is chosen.