DEBATE raged on yesterday over what should be the national anthem for the Scotland football team, with supporters defending O Flower of Scotland after the song was described as a "dirge" by new Scottish Football Association president George Peat.
O Flower of Scotland replaced Scotland The Brave as the team's anthem in the 1990s, which in turn had replaced God Save The Queen. Peat feels that renditions of the song have been an "embarrassment" in recent years - especially abroad, where it is of
ten played too slowly - and says he is open to suggestion for a new anthem.
The obvious alternative is Scotland The Brave, but when it was used in the past few supporters bothered to learn the words even though they liked the tune.
Coincidentally, it emerged yesterday that there is discontent in Spain over the country's national anthem, which dates back to the 18th century and is one of the oldest in the world. It has never had any words.
Spanish competitors hug, hum or gaze mutely at the sky while their national anthem, The Royal March, is played.
Following a suggestion by the Spanish Olympic Committee, the conservative opposition said yesterday it would present a bill calling for a committee to provide lyrics in three months.
The process of change is unlikely to take place so quickly in Scotland, but Peat's remarks have re-opened an issue that has never been settled to satisfaction.
The Scotsman asked two former Scotland players for their views on the merits and flaws of O Flower of Scotland.
PLAY-LIST CONTENDERS
O Flower of Scotland
The fans' favourite, although can be a dirge. Too easy to sabotage by playing at half-pace. On second thoughts, maybe that's appropriate.
Scotland the Brave
Great tune, and has international appeal. But a bit like our command of foreign languages, learning the words seems to be beyond us.
God Save the Queen
Bubbling under with 'Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini'.
Caledonia
Nice song, but range is too challenging. Try singing it in the shower, and run the risk of an ASBO.
Highland Cathedral
Rousing tune, but as a song this one should be filed under 'dirge'.
Scots Wha Hae
Words by Burns. Blood, battles, slavery, traitors, graves, swords and chains. Modern Scotland in a nutshell.
Doe A Deer
The only song that the Tartan Army scores full marks for knowing the lyrics and the tempo. Apart from the one about Jimmy Hill.
PROS
Scott Booth
19 Scotland caps
(1993 to 2002)
"EVERY time I hear O Flower of Scotland, it reminds me of my international career. For me, it was a really special time when it was played before a game, looking around the stadium and seeing the Tartan Army singing it and waving their flags. I only have positive feelings about the song and I honestly can't remember any of my team-mates having anything negative to say about it.
"I can understand what George Peat says to a certain extent, because there are times when not everyone seems to be in tune or together when it is being sung. Some people say it is slow, even a bit of a dirge, but I do feel it is a very inspirational song and I can't see any obvious alternative to it. In any case, we can't keep chopping and changing our anthem all the time.
"I believe the vast majority of Scotland supporters love O Flower of Scotland and are very passionate about it. Maybe people from an older generation would prefer to go back to Scotland The Brave, or try something else, but as a former Scotland player and now a Scotland fan, I'm very much in favour of sticking with O Flower of Scotland."
CONS
Pat Nevin
28 Scotland caps
(1986 to 1996)
"I CAN understand the argument George Peat is putting forward and I'm not against the suggestion that we should look into alternatives to O Flower of Scotland as an anthem for the national team.
"There are times, especially in away matches, when it is anything but rousing and can sound fairly grim.
"When it is sung at the right tempo at Hampden, though, it can certainly be really inspirational and add to the sense of occasion. The Scottish rugby supporters seem to be much better at singing it than the Tartan Army, but having said that, it has improved a lot in recent years.
"I've got nothing against O Flower of Scotland as a song as such, although it is certainly not up there with Sunshine on Leith as a football anthem.
"But what is the alternative to it? Until someone can come up with one, I don't really see it changing and I don't believe you will find a really strong body of opinion against it."
