Perfect anthem

I agree with Jim Telfer (Opinion, 27 February) that we need to replace our national anthem.

One that meets all the requirements and does not seem to have figured in the debate so far is Dark Lochnagar.

It celebrates our natural heritage and professes love of our country and what makes it unique. It pays tribute to our past heroes and expresses a sense of identity and continuity with them without being over sentimental. It calls for us to be worthy of them in the same way as Flower of Scotland does without the anti-English sentiment there.

It has a memorable and stirring tune and the repeat line, "brave Caledonia, dear are thy mountains", sets the right tone for any national sporting occasion.

It was written by an Englishman, George Gordon, Lord Byron (1788–1824) but has best been sung by the Corries so has continuity with Flower of Scotland.

BILL MACDONALD

Harmony Court

Bonnyrigg