Flower of Scotland
Flower of Scotland ( correct, but rare The Flower of Scotland) is a patriotic song of Scotland, which is next to Scotland the Brave and Scots Wha Hae one of the three unofficial national anthems. The actual national anthem of Great Britain - including Scotland - is God save the Queen. Since Scotland has its own national inter alia football and rugby teams, one of the unofficial national anthem is played when trying to use a different hymn than the English teams for international matches.
The Flower of Scotland was written by Roy Williamson, founder of the folk group The Corries. The song was discovered by Scottish Rugby fans and 1974 used for the tour of the British Lions in South Africa as a replacement anthem. In games against England, the last two lines are sung with special fervor. The Scottish Football Association following the example of the Scottish Rugby Union and made Flower of Scotland 1997 official song which is played before international matches.
The first time was in 1990 admitted to the identification song for the national rugby team by the Association (SRU ) after the players had vigorously demanded not to have to run up the anthem of the opponent The Flower of Scotland on the occasion of the Calcutta Cup. First, only the first stanza was admitted, came through the success and great sympathy with the public in subsequent years, the other verses added. Meanwhile, The Flower of Scotland is used as the official national song.
The song deals with the struggle of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce against the English King Edward II, in particular the victory Roberts at the Battle of Bannockburn. Note: When "Flower of Scotland " is meant not the thistle, but the youth of Scotland; So those who have fought in the prime of their youth for Scotland ( and fallen in part for Scotland are ).