Primary school in 'sectarian' Union Jack row after headteacher suggests flag is 'potentially offensive'
A primary school headteacher has been forced to apologise after a letter to parents suggested the Union Flag could be 'sectarian'.
Cross Arthurlie Primary School, in Barrhead, Renfrewshire, found itself at the centre of an extraordinary row yesterday after its headteacher sent parents a letter which appeared to insinuate the Union Flag was 'potentially offensive'.
In a note, Fiona MacDonald told her Primary Seven pupils parents that the 'use of the union flag with staff images on caused some upset' and that the school was 'actively working against potentially offensive or sectarian messaging'.
The letter caused uproar as MSPs hit out at the school letter, with East Renfrewshire Council and the headteacher apologising for 'any offence and upset that has been caused'.
Russell Findlay, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, branded the letter 'daft' and said: 'For a school to tell parents that our country's flag is 'offensive or sectarian' is ludicrous and embarrassing.
'This is what happens when the SNP spends years pushing its petty nationalist agenda in our schools, councils and other public bodies.
'After 18 years of the SNP trashing Scotland's once world-leading schools, you might think they'd be focused on improving educational standards.'
Meanwhile, Scots Tory MSP Jackson Carlaw said he was 'both angry and concerned' the official letter 'suggested the use of the Union flag amounts to 'sectarian messaging'.'
The Eastwood MSP said: 'Let me be clear - to equate the Union Flag with sectarianism is totally unacceptable and deeply offensive to people both locally and across Scotland.
'Our national flag is not up for debate - it is a symbol of our tradition, unity as a nation and hope for so many.'
The row, which now overshadows the end of term, was ignited by Mrs MacDonald's letter sent on June 12.
Writing to P7 families, she thanked them for going to a leavers' event the night before and said the 'children looked fantastic and had a great time'.
But the letter goes on: 'Unfortunately, the use of the Union Flag with staff images on caused some upset at the beginning of the evening.
'As a school we promote inclusion and acceptance, actively working against potentially offensive or sectarian messaging.
'Although we recognise this was not the intent, we are concerned that others within or beyond the school community may consider that this is something we would encourage.
'I have spoken with the children about it this morning explaining why it wasn't a good idea: Using images without permission; the symbolism and association of flags and symbols to different groups of people; their actions which were contrary to the school values of respect and kindness.
'I hope this helps everyone understand where mistakes have been made and we can move on enjoying the rest of the end of term celebrations.'
The local authority yesterday issued a statement insisting: 'It was not the school's intention to imply the Union Flag is sectarian and both the head teacher and the council apologises for any offence and upset that has been caused to pupils, parents and carers and the wider community.
'All educational establishments in East Renfrewshire should be spaces that are focused on learning, unity, and pride in a diverse British society.
'We expect our schools to foster an ethos of respect for diverse perspectives and national identity.'
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