National debate

Recent correspondents have revived the debate about Flower of Scotland (Letters, 20 February). This is important, as those of us who believe it is a decent folk song but quite unsuitable to be our national anthem will not simply give up our campaign for a noble, uplifting anthem worthy of our nation.

David Stevenson is correct – Scots Wha Hae is magnificent (if the tempo is jauntier) and many nations refer to historic battles – for their freedom – in their anthems. To cringe about this is silly.

He also points out that Scots Wha Hae – tune probably played at Bannockburn and much admired by Bruch, Mendelssohn and so on, with words by our National Bard – is "out of copyright".

That being the case, Radio Scotland should be invited to air the splendid orchestral version they commissioned many years ago (I have a copy on tape), but keep under wraps, so that we can make our own minds up.

In conclusion, this SNP government should be taking a lead in the matter.

DAVID ROCHE

Forest Way

Blairgowrie