Through the prism of time.. some 1992 press pieces that illustrate the unsolvable FOS terrace anthem dilemma which still continues.   It is all a circular debate.

A FORMER BBC TV producer is mounting a solo campaign to get the rugby anthem Flower of Scotland banned from the terraces. Lifelong rugby fan Peter Whiteford (63), who thinks the song is racist and provocative, has taken up the issue in two national newspapers and may now extend his protest to the Scottish Rugby Union. Mr Whiteford, a Scot, said today; “That racist bar-room ballad responsible for an upsurge of nationalism and a decline in sportsmanship at Murrayfield.” SRU secretary Bill Hogg said: “We are delighted to play Flower of Scotland at Murrayfleld. Scotland is an individual country and as such, needs a separate tune.” Aberdeen Evening Express.

‘Brave’ choice SIR, Rugby Union gives us Flower of Scotland before matches, while football fans give us Scotland the Brave. Flower of Scotland is a dirge, appearing almost to be sorry for being a Scot, while Scotland the Brave is a delightful song, depicting people happy to be alive. Without a doubt, Scotland the Brave is easily the better of the two national songs and is more tuneful. The image of the dour, unhappy Scot is not a good one: the cheerful Scot is far more companionable. Is it not more beneficial for Scots to be seen as a cheerful people like our football supporters? Although an occasional moan is helpful, it is better if we were not to be seen as a nation always moaning about our lot. Peter G. Mitchell, 52 Fife Street, Keith. Aberdeen P & J

"Tartan Army fine tuned -THE Tartan Army has no excuse for not being word perfect when Scotland’s “national anthem’’ is played before the World Cup tie In Switzerland tonight. For copies of the Scotland The; Brave lyrics have been flown out specially to the official Scotland travel club’s 4,000 members. No longer can they hum and haw when the band strikes up prior to Scotland’s World Cup opening tune in Berne. Martin Row, secretary of the Scottish Federation of Supporters Clubs, said yesterday: “We thought it was about time our lads on the terracing knew the words, even if It’s difficult keeping up with the tune. Most of them would actually prefer ‘Flower of Scotland’.’’ Aberdeen P & J