Ian Bell rightly doubts whether the fiasco of the Red Road flats shows Glasgow - and Scotland - to be "brave and confident", as claimed by the Commonwealth Games organisers (The art of creating a stushie, Comment, April 13).
How much, then, should we worry about the national anthem they will inflict on us? In the past, committees such as this have had that choice. What kind of country does that? Not a "proper" one, so we are likely to be landed with the dismal dirge Flower Of Scotland - though I would not bet against I Belong To Glasgow or Stop Your Tickling Jock.
I have lobbied for Scots Wha Hae for years - magnificent, with jauntier tempo and with impeccable pedigree - but may have to admit defeat as even the SNP do it to death, painfully slowly, at their conferences. Having listened again to Land Of Light, it is very suitable indeed. With a noble tune, easily memorised and with much less maudlin stuff about "wee bit" hills and glens or gory battles long ago, it is a strong contender. In any event, we should be told what the anthem is to be and consulted on the version to be used. (Orchestral? Pipes? Choral?). It is the Scottish Government's job to get a grip on these matters. But perhaps they are waiting until after September.
David Roche
Scone
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