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Culture

Scottish Anthem

What is scottish anthem?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Official national anthem None[1]
Most often used unofficial anthem “Flower of Scotland”[2]
Writer of “Flower of Scotland” Roy Williamson[3]
Year written 1965[3]
First used at a sporting match 1974[3]

Scotland has no officially adopted national anthem. “Flower of Scotland” is the song most often used as Scotland’s unofficial anthem, especially at sporting events [2].

Context

Scotland has no officially fixed national anthem; instead, several songs serve in different contexts. “Flower of Scotland” is the most widely used unofficial anthem, especially at football and rugby matches [2]. “Scotland the Brave” was used at the Commonwealth Games until 2010, when it was replaced by “Flower of Scotland” [3]. The Scottish flag often accompanies these anthems at public events. The choice of anthem depends on the occasion, as different songs are used in sport and other gatherings [1].

Documented claims

  • The Scottish Government has not formally adopted a national anthem. [1]
  • “Flower of Scotland” is commonly presented as Scotland’s anthem at sporting matches. [2]
  • “Scotland the Brave” is another song used as an unofficial national anthem. [3]

Related

Scottish ThistleThe thistle is a national symbol of Scotland, often associated with its identity and culture.

Questions and answers

Does Scotland have two anthems?

Scotland has no official anthem, but “Flower of Scotland” and “Scotland the Brave” are both used unofficially, depending on the event [2].

Who wrote “Flower of Scotland”?

Roy Williamson wrote “Flower of Scotland” in 1965 [3].

What is a classic Scottish song?

“Flower of Scotland” is a classic Scottish song, often used as the unofficial anthem at sporting events [2].

Sources

  1. Scotland – nationalanthems.info — nationalanthems.info (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Scotland's national anthem: Flower of Scotland lyrics in full ... — goal.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. 'Flower of Scotland' Lyrics in Full, Explained — si.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Culture