Scots headteacher sparks outrage after suggesting union flag is ‘sectarian' in parents' letter
Politicians have blasted the letter as 'unacceptable'
UNION FLACK Scots headteacher sparks outrage after suggesting union flag is 'sectarian' in parents' letter
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A HEADTEACHER sparked outrage after suggesting the union flag could be viewed as 'offensive' and 'sectarian' in a letter to primary school parents.
The principal of Cross Arthurlie Primary School in Barrhead, Renfrewshire, wrote the all-round message after an apparently 'upsetting' incident at a P7 leavers event earlier this month.
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The letter sent out to parents at Cross Arthurlie Primary School in Barrhead
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Scottish Tory leader branded it "ludicrous"
Credit: Alamy
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Jackson Carlaw MSP for Eastwood has called for a "resolution and retraction"
Credit: Alamy
It is understood this involved a small group of parents and pupils bringing two flags with teachers' faces superimposed onto them.
In a response dated June 12 on official council-branded paper, the head detailed how 'the use of the union flag with staff images on caused some upset'.
She said as a result pupils had been schooled on 'the symbolism and association of flags and symbols' following the incident.
The letter goes on to state the school is 'actively working against potentially offensive or sectarian messaging' and the children's 'actions were contrary to the school values of respect and kindness'.
But politicians have blasted the letter as 'unacceptable' and called for the local authority to issue an apology.
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay branded the letter 'ludicrous' and 'embarrassing'.
He 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.
'East Renfrewshire Council should apologise for this daft letter.'
MSP for Eastwood and former leader of the Scottish Conservatives also chimed in.
Action For Scotland burn Union Jack flag
On X he wrote: 'I am both angry and concerned to learn that an official letter (now confirmed as genuine) issued by the head teacher of a primary school in East Renfrewshire has suggested the use of the Union Flag amounts to 'sectarian messaging'.
'Let me be clear - to equate the Union Flag with sectarianism is totally unacceptable and deeply offensive to people both locally and across Scotland.
"Having spoken with a senior official at
'@EastRenCouncil this morning, I expect an urgent response, resolution and retraction.
'As a start, the council must issue an unconditional apology. Our national flag is not up for debate - it is a symbol of our tradition, unity as a nation and hope for so many.'
A spokesperson for East Renfrewshire Council said: '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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