National anathema

I realise that Andrew H N Gray’s suggestion that we all sing Rule Brittania as our national anthem is said in his inimitable style of jocularity (Letters, 12 March).

However,tosaythatgodsave the Queen is “our” anthem indicates the time warp Mr Gray is living in. This is confirmed (and I hope he won’t be offended) when he says that it was the only anthem played when he was a boy. The reality is that for a very significant number of the population in Scotland, the monarchy has become an anachronism which we can do without. It is also silly to say our national sporting teams would be more inspired by the playing of God Save the Queen. Fortunately, the sports associations are more in touch with the national mood and even Scottish Labour’s slightly detached Richard Leonard has grasped the reality of the situation.

GILL TURNER Derby Street, Edinburgh Andrew HN Gray suggests Rule Britannia as our national anthem. The version starting “Rule Britannia, Britannia waives the rules...” might be appropriate for current UK politics!

DAVID STEVENSON Blacket Place, Edinburgh