The Flag in the Wind
A weekly online newspaper bringing you information on the political scene in Scotland: part of the monthly Scots Independent.

Home | About Us | Subscriptions | Archives | SNP | Ad Rates | Features | Adverts | Events | Links

Lots of great information to read and enjoy under our Features Section:
Scots Language | Scottish Food | Dates in History | Scot Wit and lots more

THANKS

When the Scots Independent decided to set up a website, 'The Flag in the Wind', it was agreed that a weekly update meant exactly what it said - a large task for a volunteer army of one. Week after week that task has fallen on the broad shoulders of Jim Lynch with a fallback position of my assistance during holidays etc. However for the past year Jim has enlisted the help of fellow compilers Allison Hunter and Richard Thomson and I have not had to step into the breech since Flag issue 124. But as Jim is just returning from a well-deserved holiday and both Allison and Richard having had a turn, after a year off, the least I could do was 'volunteer' for a week.

As well as enjoying doing the odd Flag it also gives me the opportunity, as Scots Independent Chairman, to thank Jim Lynch, Allison Hunter and Richard Thomson for all their work - it is much appreciated as I am sure the growing number of Flag visitors will agree. Thanks are also due to the man who makes The Flag possible - our skeilie webmaster Alastair McIntyre - without whom The Flag would never fly. By now we thought that Alastair would be settled in the USA but a visa problem has delayed his departure. However on the bright side that means we can continue to enjoy bar lunches with Alastair for the foreseeable future.

CONFERENCE COMMENT

For the first time in almost twenty years I was a delegate at this year's Annual National Conference of the Scottish National Party in Inverness. I have been at almost every Conference during that period to help man the Scots Independent stall and this year I had to do both jobs! It was a good Conference for the Party and an excellent Conference for SNP National Convener John Swinney. Those who opposed John underestimated the man - he is a decent man but certainly no pushover. He has a determination to succeed - his goal is, and always has been, to win Scottish Independence. His winning margin, which I prophesied to members of the Press on the Tuesday evening prior to Conference, should ensure that the Party gets on with the job it does best - taking the case for Independence to the people. The most encouraging aspect of Conference was the determination of Delegates to return to their Branches and Constituencies to get on with that job and to ensure that the first electoral challenge, the 2004 European Election, sees an improved SNP result.

Some personal happy memories of Inverness started with meeting the great-nephew of a founder of The National Party of Scotland and first President of The Scottish National Party, Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham. Colin Cunninghame Graham of Galashiels, on a motorbike holiday, shared our digs in Inverness on Tuesday and is rightly proud of his great-uncle's achievements. It was a pleasure and honour to meet him.

On Wednesday I chaired the Scots Independent/ Saltire Society fringe meeting to launch three recent books by or edited by Paul H Scott. I started with the immortal words of the late bandleader Sir Jimmy Shand "Keep it simple son, keep it simple" as I had the easy task of introducing two men who needed little introduction - Paul H Scott and Professor Neil MacCormick MEP. Both men were in sparkling form as they discussed the three books 'Scotland Resurgent', 'A Scottish Postbag' and 'The Saltoun Papers'. Questions and comments from the floor added to the literary/political success of the occasion. As one member of the audience put it to Marilyn Wright - "After tonight the rest of the fringe meetings will have a very high standard to live up to."

The third memory was being interviewed along with Roddy Ramsay for the Scottish Television programme 'Seven Days'. Fifteen minutes recording boiled down to one sentence but at least I could report to my Branch, Stirling St Ninians, that one of their Delegates had been on the telly! But the outstanding highlight was being the guest of SI editor Kenneth Fee and his lovely wife Margery for a meal in honour of the Wright's wedding anniversary - our grateful thanks.

A final Conference comment - congratulations to Allison Hunter on her re-election to the National Executive Committee of the Scottish National Party and to Ian Hudghton MEP on heading the SNP Euro list.

SUAS LEIS A' GHAIDHLIG
HAUD FORRIT THE SCOTS LEID

As a Scots speaker I welcome all attention paid to minority languages and welcome the recent Scottish Executive announcement of a proposed Gaelic Bill, (They could, of course, supported Michael F Russell's Gaelic Bill in the last Parliament!), although I wish that they would do the same for Scots. The Scottish National Party has always supported the use and status of both Gaelic and Scots and SNP MEP Ian Hudghton last week joined colleagues from across the EU in celebrating the richness and diversity of European languages ahead of EU enlargement next year, at a major conference held in the European Parliament in Brussels. The event was organised by EBLUL (European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages) in conjunction with the European Free Alliance group, of which the Scottish National Party MEPs are leading members.

Speaking after the event, Ian Hudghton told The Flag "After the 10 new member states join us next year, around 46 million 'minority' language speakers will live within the EU, including our own Gaelic and Scots speakers. This is a substantial number of people who choose to speak a language other than the official language of their nation state, a language in which they may conduct their everyday life or which may well be the main language of their communities."

"These languages are not only a precious feature of Europe's cultural heritage, they are a fundamental part of the everyday lives of tens of millions of people. This Conference aimed to put these languages into the spotlight and to put in motion steps, which should secure their future survival. The European Commission is to be encouraged to press ahead with setting up the proposed new Linguistic Diversity Agency so that we are ready for the challenges and opportunities of the enlarged European Union."

The Conference, which was chaired by Plaid Cymru MEP Eurig Wyn, was addressed by a number of MEPs from the European Free Alliance group and by Slovak Deputy Minister Pal Csaky. 

FERRY GOOD NEWS

The Flag has followed with interest the progress of the new ferry service between Rosyth, Fife, and the Belgian port of Zeebrugge since it was launched on 17th May 2002. Hailed as Scotland's gateway to the Continent, the 17-hour crossing, operated by Greek ferry owners Superfast, commenced with a healthy 50,000 advance passengers. Passenger figures have proved to very successful and with increasing numbers travelling from the European mainland to Rosyth of considerable benefit to both the Fife and Scottish tourist industry. But from the outset the ultimate success of the new route was dependent on its use by hauliers. After a slow start the good news is that more haulage firms than ever before are now using the two ships working the crossing. An increase in fuel duty and a forthcoming European working directive should be an additional reason for hauliers to use the Rosyth ferry which should ensure the continuation of this valuable addition to an outward looking Scotland. The fight for the establishment of the route was fully backed by the SNP and SNP MSPs such as Bruce Crawford and was too hard won to allow the route to fail.

WELL DONE SIR SEAN

The best-known Scot worldwide must be the illustrious film star (and best ever James Bond) Sir Sean Connery. He has never made any secret of the fact that he is a Scottish Nationalist and believer in Scottish Independence. Not for him the age old get-out - "I'm not a Scottish nationalist but..." Sir Sean, making his first-ever appearance, earlier this month on the BBC Parkinson programme left viewers in little doubt of the importance he attaches to Scottish Independence. Interestingly Michael Parkinson quickly steered the conservation away from any follow up to Sir Sean's forthright Independence comment!

It is appropriate that Sir Sean is to be the patron of the new Scottish National Photography Centre. The prominent actor met the key figures behind the SNPC proposal to use the former Royal High School on Edinburgh's Calton Hill as a permanent home for Scottish photography during a visit to his native city in August. Sir Sean told The Flag that he was "delighted" to become a patron of the new centre. He said "If any country can claim to have been involved at the birth of photography, it is Scotland. The proposal to have a Scottish National Photography Centre, just yards from the Rock House studio of Hill and Adamson, which was the centre of the art in the 1840s, has my overwhelming support."

The Royal High School was originally bought and altered by a Labour Westminster Government to house the proposed Scottish Assembly in the 1970s. The 1979 Referendum stopped that move, thanks to the 40% rule, in its tracks and the Calton Hill site was claimed to be a 'Nationalist Shibboleth' by Donald Dewar, who in cahoots with Tony Blair, decided that a new Scottish Parliament building would be built at Holyrood. The wrong site, badly budgeted and long over-time ... but that is another story! However the news that the Calton Hill building can be put to a good National use, reflecting Scotland's contribution for over 150 years to photography, is very welcome indeed. With backing from 007 how can it possibly fail.

AMSTERDAM BOUND

Congratulations to young Darren Fletcher whose first-ever goal for Scotland has ensured that Scotland reached the play-of stage for Euro 2004. In an otherwise poor game against Lithuania, Darren's goal brought a capacity Hampden crowd to its feet and helped a Nation to dream again. The dream might not last longer than 19th November when the second leg of the play-off against The Netherlands takes place in Amsterdam but until then The Tartan Army can plan their friendly 2004 'invasion' of Portugal.

On paper the Dutch have the better players but the Scots have, as underdogs, risen to the occasion before and our last two encounters have ended in 0-0 draws. Mention Holland and all Scots wallow in the memory of the 'wonder' Archie Gemmill goal in 1978. His solo goal ensured a 3-2 victory for Scotland but wasn't enough to get into the next stage of the World Cup in Argentina. The Dutch reached the final but lost out to Argentina in extra time.

The revamped Hampden Stadium will have another full house of 50,000 when The Netherlands visit Glasgow on 15th November for the first leg. The Flag extends its best wishes to both the National Team and the Under 21s in their endeavour to progress in Euro 2004. The success of the Under 21s in also reaching the play-off position augers well for the future of Scotland's National Game.

CONGRATULATIONS

Shadow First Minister John Swinney offered his congratulations and those of the SNP to Gordon and Sarah Brown on the birth of their son. The bouncing 8lb 1 oz boy was born on Friday in the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh and will be named John after his grandfather. John Swinney said "Despite being political opponents, on days like today we can all share in the joy of the new arrival. This is great news and I know that the whole of Scotland will be thrilled. My congratulations and those of the whole SNP go to Sarah and Gordon." The Flag does likewise. 

WALK FOR WALLACE 2005

This week The Flag is pleased to give space to a forthcoming event - the walk by David R Ross in 2005 in the footsteps of Sir William Wallace on the route the great Scottish hero was taken to his 'judicial murder' in London, England in 1305. David R Ross, an author and historian, plays a prominent part in remembering William Wallace through his chairmanship of the Society of William Wallace. He is author of several books including 'A Passion for Scotland'. 'On the Trail of William Wallace' and 'On the Trail of Robert the Bruce'. David Ross will swap his normal mode of transport - a motorbike - for shanks mere as his long strides cover the miles to the English capital.

David R Ross writes :- WALK FOR WALLACE 2005.

Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland, was murdered at Smithfield in London, outside the church of St. Bartholomew the Greater, on the 23 August 1305. He died terribly and alone, hundreds of miles away from the Scotland that he loved and gave his all for.

            He had been captured at Robroyston, on the outskirts of Glasgow on 3 August,  where a monument, raised in 1900, marks the spot where this treacherous deed took place. Then he was rushed south, tied to a horse, and exposed to the mockery of the citizens of the English towns he was taken through. He arrived in London, after a journey of some 450 miles, on the 22 August, and his captors tried to take him to the Tower of London, but there were so many thronging the streets to see this Scottish “monster” that he had to be kept in a cellar in Fenchurch instead.

            The next day he was taken to Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the current Houses of Parliament, where his sham trial took place. He was accused of treason, but Wallace managed to shout above his accusers that he was a Scot, born in Scotland, and did not recognise England as having any jurisdiction over him. It mattered not to his judges, determined to eradicate this thorn in their sides, who had given his countrymen and women hope, and who had defeated the mightiest army in Christendom on the field of battle at Stirling Bridge in 1297.

He was tied to the tails of horses and dragged through the streets of London for 6 miles, kicked and pelted with filth by the rabble, till he arrived at Smithfield, where the brazier burned and the scaffold awaited.

Wallace was hung, but cut down while still alive. His private parts were hacked off and burnt before him. His stomach was cut open and his intestines were pulled out inch by inch. This was all part of the torture of hanging, drawing and quartering, a hideous way for any man to die, but the more so for a noble and patriotic freedom fighter, who had tried to protect his people from the tyranny of an aggressive invader.

His rib cage was pulled open, and his heart, still beating, was torn out, ending the life of Scotland’s great hero. But that was not enough. Wallace’s’ head was severed from his body, his internal organs were all burnt, and his carcass was quartered, the parts being sent north to dishonour the Scots as much as possible. His head was spiked on old London Bridge, so that passers by could marvel at the might of Edward Longshanks, King of England.

Wallace was killed in such a way, so that propaganda could play its part. Longshanks believed that the Scots would not think Wallace worthy of their admiration because he died so basely. He was dismembered and burnt so that he would have no body to rise and face the risen Lord on Judgement Day.

 The opposite was true though, as Scotland now had a martyr, and every generation of Scots men and women who have the passion of their countries freedom in their souls, have used the spirit of Wallace as a guiding beacon.

No one was there for Wallace on the day. The man has never had a funeral or a mourning to show that people care.

That is going to change.

            2005 sees the 700^th anniversary of his death. And as Convenor of the Society of William Wallace, I am determined to show that it may take 700 years, but we do not forget. Wallace will have the mourning, the funeral, that he has always been denied. I intend to retrace the journey south that Wallace was taken to his shameful end. I will follow the route on foot, but will attempt to cover the distance in the same time scale as Wallace was taken south on horseback. So I will leave from Robroyston on the morning of the 3 August, and hope to arrive in London on the 22 August 2005. At midday on the 23, like-minded souls will gather at the entrance to Westminster Hall, where we will all march the 6 miles through the city to Smithfield, following the actual route that Wallace was dragged. A funeral service will be held in the church of St Bartholomew, the very same building that was the last thing that Wallace saw.

            St Bartholomew’s church is the oldest church in London, dating from 1123AD.

             An empty coffin will stand in the church, and all those attending will be asked to write the words that they would have liked to have said to the man, and the letters will be dropped into the coffin. He may have no body or grave to revere, but he needs none, as his spirit lives in the hearts of all right thinking people who cherish the ideals of freedom. These people will pen the words that do the man justice, and this coffin, draped in the Saltire, will be taken back to Scotland, symbolically carrying the spiritual body of Wallace, and the hopes and aspirations of the ordinary Scots whom Wallace represents.

            This coffin will lie in state in Scotland for a few weeks, so that ordinary Scots who could not make it to London can add their messages. It will then be buried in Scottish soil, holding the spirit of Wallace, his legacy being the patriotism he has instilled in every honest Scot.

            It will not be all sombre on the day though, as there will be evening entertainment with music, where people can gather, mingle and get a chance to chat.

            The entertainment will be in a local venue, still to be confirmed.

 There is a web site set up to keep people informed of the various updates involved between now and the events of Tuesday 23 August 2005. You may access it on….

                                    www.walkforwallace.com

There is a facility for anyone who may have the means to help finance this project, as it is a non profit event being carried out with the money of those patriotic enough to care, and not financed by any agencies.

The walk to London is some 450 miles, which I will do alone, as it is a long road, not to be lightly undertaken, and I have trained hard to make sure that I will succeed.

Anyone who wishes to attend the commemoration in London will be welcome, and they are encouraged to leave any comments on the web site mentioned above.

 As detailed in my book, the best selling "On the Trail of William Wallace" Wallace has always been a personal hero, so undertaking the Walk is a my way of showing my regard for the man, and of course for the nation of Scotland itself.

            I hope that Scots, native to Scotland, and ex-pats alike, will realise the solemnity of this occasion, and the chance we have to repay a man who gave his all for Scotland. Every generation of Scots since have recognised Wallace’s’ selfless devotion to his native heath, and it is now time to recognise the man himself, and let him know that his horrific death was not in vain.

Wallace, when a youth, was taught these words by his uncle, the priest of Dunipace………..

            Freedom is best, I tell thee true,
                        Of all things to be won,
`            Then never live within the bonds of slavery, my son.

As pertinent today as they were to Wallace 700 years ago.

David R. Ross,
              Convenor, The Society of William Wallace.

THEY SAID IT FOR US

Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.

         - Mahatma Gandhi

Our position is incoherent, our opposition unprincipled and, above all, our approach and demeanour are unappealing and incomprehensible to the electorate.

        - Conservative MP Nick Gibb: on the Conservative Party

We are very, very happy.

        - Sarah Brown, wife of Labour Westminster Chancellor Gordon, on giving birth to a son

Putting political differences aside, this is one gain from labour that everyone will be very happy with.

        - Alex Salmond MP, Westminster SNP Leader on the birth of John Brown

I don't think it is right for him to be taking money from McDonalds. Surely he could have found the money elsewhere.

        - Chef Martin Wishart of the Michelin-starred Restaurant Martin Wishart commenting on Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell accepting constituency donations from a local McDonald franchise, after launching Scotland's biggest healthy eating campaign. Perhaps Jack the Lad thinks that hamburgers are healthy!

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.

        - Edmund Burke

No nation in Europe can look with more just pride on their past than the Scots, and no young Scotchman ought to grow up in ignorance of what that past has been.

        J A Froude (English historian). The tragedy is that Scottish history, by and large, is not taught in Scottish schools.

WINDOWS SCREENSAVER

Download our Windows Screensaver here!

SCOT WIT
Enjoy a Scottish Joke every week and listen to it as well