A 'New' Anthem - Poll Results

The poll asked 'Does Scotland Need A 'New' National Anthem?" and the results show a majority for one, although Flower of Scotland seems to have have a strong following too.

With 378 votes the results shouldn't be ignored by the powers that be. An anthem competition could well infuse the referendum debate with a little light-heartedness.

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Scotland Needs A National Anthem

How I brimmed with pride when Flower of Scotland was played by the Queen Victoria School's Pipes and Drums at the first 5 Nations played in the then new Murrayfield stadium back in the early 90s. The acoustics created a lag between the band and voices, but it didn't seem to be noticed by anyone at the event - other than the Drum Major. At the time it seemed appropriate to have a 'special' anthem for rugby internationals and it was quickly adopted by the football fraternity too.

However, over the years my opinion has changed. Flower of Scotland wasn't written for pipe bands and, aside from the politically correct argument regarding the lyrics, it sounds a bit of a dirge.

Piper Donald Glass is calling for a more modern anthem. I'm not so sure about 'modern' but Mr Glass is correct when he says a new anthem should be a quick 4/4 march composed for the pipes. Words which people can remember easily and a tune that sticks in the mind are essential too.

Over the years there have been calls for Scotland to have its own national anthem, but with the Commonwealth Games coming here in 2014, now is the time when action should be taken.

None of the old favourites such as 'A Man's a Man' or 'Scotland the Brave' will do. We need something new and uplifting, rejuvinating and memorable.

Maybe our First Minister should have a wee word with Mr Glass. Many senior pipers and drummers compose for their instruments and I'm sure amongst our abundance of talented musicians in every musical sector, an outstanding anthem could be created.

Let's not talk more about it - it's time for action.

I've placed a poll in the sidebar should you care to vote.

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A Matter Of National Importance

It's about time a subject of national importance was discussed rather than the playing away of some grossly overpaid man who can't be faithful to his wife and is stupid enough to think money can buy anything. I've never heard of the person yet he thinks he's important enough to pay for the law to keep his infidelity secret.  It's unheard of in the Scottish rugby world.

So let's discuss a matter of national importance.

Alex Salmond is seeking a national anthem for Scotland.  He doesn't seem too keen on 'Flower of Scotland' and I have to admit it's a bit of a dirge.

His choice is 'Scotland Will Flourish' sung here by the Corries with lyrics by Ian Richardson. The words are more appropriate to a forward thinking Scotland and I would like to hear it accompanied by a pipe band before I make a decision.

A spokesman for Alex Salmond suggests there should be a competition to choose a new anthem: "... it would get Scotland talking - and singing".  An idea which will be welcomed by many.

Maybe Alex Salmond could arrange a competition using our schools' pipe bands - there are quite a few including the truly excellent Queen Victoria School Pipes and Drums - and some of our top singers such as Julie Fowlis.

Edinburgh Castle esplanade would be a superb setting for the event.  The acoustics are breathtaking.

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