Calling the tune

Robert Dow (Letters, 30 July) objects to national anthems in general and bloody or warlike ones, including Scots Wha Hae in particular.

Others have objected on similar grounds. I am unaware of 
anyone trying to persuade France to abandon La Marseillaise, which is far bloodier than Scots Wha Hae, on similar grounds. One bit even translates as: “their impure blood shall irrigate our furrows”.

I am glad the French military still include the tune of Scots Wha Hae in their repertoire, under the title of La marche des soldats de Robert Bruce, because of past links between our countries and, in particular, the ceremonial entry of Joan of Arc to Orleans to that tune, after the siege of Orleans, in 1429.

David Stevenson

Blacket Place

Edinburgh