Politicians hit out over Barrhead school's union flag letter

Glasgow Times

6 hours ago

East Renfrewshire Council has confirmed that the letter, which was sent out by the head teacher of Cross Arthurlie Primary School in Barrhead, is genuine.
The letter details that the use of a 'union flag with staff images on caused some upset' and later states that the children have been spoken to about the incident.
Councillors and MSPs in the area have now criticised the letter, saying, "Questions will be asked."
Councillor Andrew Morrison spoke with the Glasgow Times. He said: "Many of you have expressed alarm regarding this communication, which has been doing the rounds.
"Regrettably, it is a genuine letter - its content is so outrageous you could be forgiven for thinking it's a spoof.
"This is the flag of our country, and it is a flag the Council flies itself officially to mark ceremonies during the year, not as often as I'd like personally.
"If school isn't a place to learn the meaning of Union flag, then where is?
"Being British is core to our nationhood. That is a simple fact. It must not be airbrushed out in this manner.
"Questions will be asked."
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Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay took to social media to share his anger, he posted: "This is what happens when the SNP's toxic nationalism infects schools and councils.
"Our country's flag is NOT 'offensive or sectarian'."
This is what happens when the SNP's toxic nationalism infects schools and councils. 👇
Our country's flag 🇬🇧 is NOT 'offensive or sectarian'. pic.twitter.com/uD752QZC18 — Russell Findlay MSP (@RussellFindlay1) June 16, 2025
The letter states that the children involved were spoken to about 'using images without permission', 'the symbolism and association of flags and symbols to different groups of people', and 'their actions which were contrary to the school values of respect and kindness'.
MSP for Eastwood and former leader of the Scottish Conservatives has also hit out, he said: "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 East Renfrewshire Council 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."
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… pic.twitter.com/eezuV4AjF7 — Jackson Carlaw (@Jackson_Carlaw) June 16, 2025
The Glasgow Times understands that details of the flag, its design or what it looked like have not been shared.
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.'