New anthems
Unusually, I am largely in agreement with Brian Wilson (Perspective, 26 July), in this instance on the subject of the song sung by Pumeza Matshikiza at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. Its writer Hamish Henderson was a personal friend whom I greatly admired.
Freedom Come All Ye is a magnificent and thought-provoking song. It is good that it was sung by someone from South Africa. It should be better known in Scotland and its text could be a starting point for school lessons in Scottish and world history.
As for Scotland’s anthem: we have in Scots Wha Hae a tune at least 700 years old with words by Robert Burns, based on a reputed speech by Robert the Bruce. And it is relatively easy to sing.
David Stevenson