Scotland's national anthem: Flower of Scotland lyrics in full & explained

The playing of national anthems before international football matches is a time-honoured tradition. For Scotland, Flower Of Scotland serves to drum up Celtic passions ahead of the Tartan Army’s international outings, although it hadn’t been heard at a major championship for over 20 years until its outing at Euro 2020.

Penned by musician Roy Williamson, Flower Of Scotland was adopted by the national team in 1997 after informal use since 1993. The lyrics refer to Robert the Bruce’s victory over Edward II’s English army at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, with the refrain celebrating those who "stood against him, Proud Edward's Army, and sent him homeward, to think again." Scotland haven't beaten England on the pitch since Don Hutchinson headed the winner at Wembley in a 1-0 win in 1999.

Its introduction to international sport came at the 1990 Rugby Union Five Nations game against England at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium, a match the Scots won to clinch the Grand Slam.

Scotland, Edinburgh

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