Scottish legend questions the use of 'Flower of Scotland'
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Scottish legend and prominent rugby figure Jim Telfer, 82, has spoken out against the use of Flower of Scotland as the country’s national anthem.
The Scottish rugby side officially adopted the song in 1990 – when Telfer was in charge of the forwards – and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful anthems. However, Telfer believes that the lyrics’ significant reference to Scotland’s troubled historical relationship with England renders the song inappropriate.
In an interview with The Times, Telfer, who was capped 22 times for Scotland, said:
"Flower of Scotland is a great song in a way and it does get the hairs on your neck straightening and standing up, but because it's against another country, I still don't think it's the ideal anthem. People sing that song, sing about the English, and it's just in the moment. After the anthem has passed, we just get on with the game. They use it at the Commonwealth Games and so on but I still don't think it should be the national anthem."
Back in 2010, Telfer said the following:
"We need to stop defining ourselves through England, and it would be a sign of maturity if we got ourselves a decent national anthem."
Flower of Scotland lyrics:
When will we see
Your likes again,
That fought and died for,
Your wee bit Hill and Glen,
And stood against them,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent them homeward,
Tae think again.
The Hills are bare now,
And Autumn leaves
lie thick and still,
O'er land that is lost now,
Which those so dearly held,
That stood against them,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent them homeward,
Tae think again.
And in the past
they must remain,
But we can still rise now,
And be a nation again,
That stood against them,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent them homeward,
Tae think again.
When will we see
your likes again,
That fought and died for,
Your wee bit Hill and Glen,
And stood against them,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent them homeward,
Tae think again.
