Now's the time...

I agree with David Stevenson (Letters, 18 February) that Flower of Scotland won't do as a national anthem, but unlike him, as well as the words, I don't like the lackadaisical tune with its dying fall; suitable enough for a scratch choir of thousands at Murrayfield maybe, but not for more formal occasions.

Scots Wha Hae is a better tune with better words. And if we don't want to be nasty about the English, we can always omit the verse about King Edward with his chains and slavery.

JOHN PATTERSON

Scotland Street

Edinburgh

Whoever went into battle to the strains of a slow waltz? It's OK for a smooch on the dancefloor but, like David Stevenson, I believe we need a rousing 4/4 marching rhythm. Scots Wha Hae would be perfect ! The Welsh get away with an anthem whose first line sounds like "My hen had a haddock", but they sing it with spine-tingling "hwyl". There's no way you can do that with Flower of Scotland. Bury it !

(REV) CLIFFORD HUGHES

Rumbling Bridge

Perthshire

May I please write in support of David Stevenson regarding an anthem and to further suggest Scots Wha Hae should be played as a quick march and not a slow march. I understand the tune was once known as "Hey Tutti Tutti" and was the march tune of the Scots troops who fought for Joan of Arc.

R B IRVINE

Warrender Court

North Berwick