National anthem

Flower of Scotland is a very good folk song and deserves to be sung in pubs and at  social gatherings but its theme of gloating over an ancient victory over our nearest neighbour and closest ally would soon become an embarrassment if used as a national anthem.

Apart from its words, the tune, like those of many other national anthems, can be very dreary.

The fact that other nations have vengeful and bloodthirsty themes in their anthems is a good reason for Scotland to have a more enlightened approach.

Marshall says quite correctly that anthems “represent you to the world” so, as one of the oldest nations on earth, Scotland has many national attributes to call on and should be able to represent itself in a much better manner than by a popular song ritually sung at football matches.

(Dr) PM Dryburgh

Falcon Avenue

Edinburgh

I was fortunate enough to experience a memorable afternoon at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Had the stadium had a roof, the rendering of Flower of Scotland would have lifted it sky-high. I fail to understand how anyone would wish to replace it with a dirge such as Scots Wha Hae or any other tuneless song. As the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Eleanor Miller

East Linton

East Lothian

I was interested to read the  reference in David Stevenson’s letter (1 September) to the Australian national anthem, Advance Australia Fair.

Having previously only heard the title spoken I had thought it referred to the Assisted Passage scheme. Tricky things, national anthems.

S Beck

Craigleith Drive

Edinburgh