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Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The Murrayfield mix-up that sparked one of sport's most iconic stadium trends
The a cappella singing of Flower of Scotland, now a global sporting tradition, began by accident at Murrayfield 16 years ago The sound of more than 65,000 fans belting out Flower of Scotland without a single note of musical accompaniment has become one of the most spine-tingling traditions in world sport. Yet few realise that the iconic a cappella second verse, now copied at major sporting events from Major League Baseball to the Kentucky Derby, began by accident at Murrayfield 16 years ago. Scottish Rugby has revealed the remarkable story as part of its new Murrayfield Memories campaign, launched to celebrate the stadium's centenary year. The initiative invites supporters from across Scotland and around the world to share their most memorable moments at the national stadium, whether from rugby, football, concerts or once-in-a-lifetime events. The anthem tradition dates back to a 2008 Six Nations clash with France, when a misunderstanding between matchday staff and pipers threatened to derail proceedings. Instead, it created a piece of sporting history. Julie Beels, now events lead at Scottish Rugby, was a 21-year-old freelance producer at the time. Tasked with co-ordinating rehearsals, flag bearers and live calls on the day, she recalls the panic when the music stopped after just one verse. She said: 'It's funny to look back on now, but at the time I thought I'd lose my job. We'd only played both verses before, and at the sound check the pipe band asked if we wanted it once or twice and I said, 'Once is fine, it's only the sound checks'. I thought they knew we'd play both verses for real ahead of the match. 'Minutes later, the pipers stopped playing after the first verse of the anthem and my heart just sank. There I was, in front of 67,000 people, thinking, 'That's it. I'm done. 'But the crowd just kept singing, louder and louder, completely unaccompanied. It gave me goosebumps. From there, it grew a special following. Scotland has never had an anthem singer because at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, the crowd is the singer. It reached a new level that day.' She added: 'It could, and probably should, have been the worst moment of my career, but instead it's the highlight. It's amazing the way it's now done around the world, but I can't help but think 'hey, that's our thing!'' The anthem alone could not inspire Scotland to victory that afternoon, Jason White's side fell 27-6 to France, but the atmosphere it created left a lasting legacy. At first, the a cappella second verse was saved for sell-out matches. Over time, it became a permanent fixture, spreading beyond rugby into football and overseas sporting arenas. Clips of Murrayfield crowds singing unaccompanied have since amassed millions of views on YouTube. Chris Paterson, Scotland's record points-scorer, was among the substitutes that day and remembers the impact on the players. He said: 'The game was pretty forgettable, but the memory of the anthem that day is still vivid. I can remember initially thinking it must be a mistake and being a bit confused but as we sang through the second verse the noise rose and the connection with those in the stadium grew. I then assumed it must have been deliberate! Whether you're a player, coach, fan, or watching at home, it's special. "It's an amazing part of what it means to be part of Scottish rugby. It always makes me smile when I see and hear it done at other events and venues across the world.' The launch of Murrayfield Memories will see stories collected into an online archive, with selected submissions included in the official Centenary Programme later this year. Contributions from Scottish greats and international stars such as Mathieu Bastareaud, Bryan Habana and Quade Cooper will feature alongside fan accounts, reflecting the stadium's global resonance. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The centenary will be marked during the Quilter Nations Series this November, when Scotland host the USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga. The clash with the All Blacks on 8 November will serve as the official Centenary Test. Mark Laidlaw, Scottish Rugby's Director of Stadium Development and Operations, said: 'Scottish Gas Murrayfield has been the backdrop to so many iconic moments, from Calcutta Cup triumphs and Grand Slam glory to unforgettable gigs by Oasis, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Taylor Swift and more. It's a place where families, friends and even whole countries come together to create memories that last a lifetime. 'We want to hear from the millions of people who've helped make the stadium what it is over the past 100 years, whether it's a historic win or the concert you waited 30 years to see. These memories are worth keeping for the next generation and we will be capturing and promoting them this year to continue our Centenary celebrations.'
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm the person behind the most famous rendition of Flower of Scotland but it almost got me SACKED
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Flower of Scotland has a special place in the heart of every Scot. But little do most of us know the story behind perhaps the most famous ever rendition of the anthem. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Scotland rugby stars recite Flower of Scotland at Murrayfield Credit: SNS 2 Julie Beels was behind the famous a capella second verse of the anthem Chances are when you think of Scotland's national anthem in a sporting context your mind casts back to Scotland versus Italy in a Euro 2008 qualifier at Hampden in football, or the 2008 Six Nations rugby clash between Scotland and France at Murrayfield. The former was led by the incomparable Ronnie Browne on the mic and might be the most rousing rendition of the song but taking the crown for the most emotive would be the ballad from Murrayfield. That's because it's believed to be the first time that a national anthem was sung by fans at a sporting event without any music. The bagpipes played for the first verse as the 65,000 voices roared in unison alongside them. But for the second verse they fell silent - and the crowd only became louder. It was a stirring moment and has inspired other nations and sporting events to do the same. But the inside story is that it should NEVER have happened. Julie Beels was the matchday entertainment producer at the time and she revealed how it was a pre-match blunder that led to such a defining moment. Beels, now 39 and working as events lead at Scottish Rugby, said she feared for her job when the pipes stopped playing due to a mix-up in communication. She said: 'It's funny to look back on now, but at the time I thought I'd lose my job. We'd only played both verses before, and at the sound check the pipe band asked if we wanted it once or twice and I said, 'Once is fine – it's only the sound checks'. Fans flood Edinburgh from all over the world for final Oasis gig at Murrayfield 'I thought they knew we'd play both verses for real ahead of the match! 'Minutes later, the pipers stopped playing after the first verse of the anthem and my heart just sank. 'There I was, in front of 67,000 people, thinking, 'That's it. I'm done. 'But the crowd just kept singing – louder and louder – completely unaccompanied. It gave me goosebumps. 'From there, it grew a special following. Scotland has never had an anthem singer because at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, the crowd is the singer. It reached a new level that day.' She added: 'It could – and probably should – have been the worst moment of my career, but instead it's the highlight. 'It's amazing the way it's now done around the world, but I can't help but think 'hey – that's our thing!'' Scotland lost that day but even the players remember the emotional impact of the unique version of the anthem. Even they thought it must have been on purpose since it worked so well. Fan favourite Chris Paterson, now 47, said: 'The game was pretty forgettable, but the memory of the anthem that day is still vivid. 'I can remember initially thinking it must be a mistake and being a bit confused but as we sang through the second verse the noise rose and the connection with those in the stadium grew. 'I then assumed it must have been deliberate! 'Whether you're a player, coach, fan, or watching at home – it's special. 'It's an amazing part of what it means to be part of Scottish rugby. It always makes me smile when I see and hear it done at other events and venues across the world.' Murrayfield is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It has just played host to the Scottish leg of Oasis' comeback tour, with three sold-out gigs at the Edinburgh venue. Now fans are being invited to share their memories of the stadium, which will form part of an online archive. Some of the best stories will be chosen for the ground's official centenary programme, which will be published ahead of the Autumn test matches in November. Mark Laidlaw, Scottish Rugby's director of stadium development and operations, said: 'Scottish Gas Murrayfield has been the backdrop to so many iconic moments – from Calcutta Cup triumphs and Grand Slam glory to unforgettable gigs by Oasis, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Taylor Swift and more. It's a place where families, friends and even whole countries come together to create memories that last a lifetime. 'We want to hear from the millions of people who've helped make the stadium what it is over the past 100 years – whether it's a historic win or the concert you waited 30 years to see. 'These memories are worth keeping for the next generation and we will be capturing and promoting them this year to continue our Centenary celebrations.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Manchester United and Scotland legend Denis Law leaves fortune to his family
Manchester United great Denis Law - nicknamed the King of the Stretford End - died in January, aged 84, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Vascular dementia Football legend Denis Law left an estate worth more than £2 million in his will, documents reveal. The Manchester United great - nicknamed the King of the Stretford End - died in January, aged 84, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Vascular dementia. Probate documents reveal he left a total of £2,035,475 to wife Diana and his family. Law's flair, tenacity and silky skills helped Manchester United to two league titles and a European Cup win in 1968 under Sir Matt Busby. He made up one third of the famous 'United Trinity' alongside fellow greats George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton. At his funeral Sir Alex Ferguson, fought back tears as he paid tribute, saying: 'He would fight his granny for a goal. He had so much courage. A skinny guy standing by all those big defenders." Announcing the news of his death back in January, his family said: 'It is with a heavy heart we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently." Manchester United added: 'Everyone is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84. With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club's greatest and most beloved players. 'The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.' At his funeral in February thousands lined the streets of Manchester as fans of both United and City, where Law also played, said goodbye. Sir Alex said: 'He loved Scotland and he loved beating England. He once lined up before a game against England. He loved Nobby Stiles and Nobby worshipped him. Nobby came bounding down the tunnel and wished Denis all the best. Denis gave him a withering look and let off a volley of abuse Nobby never forgot.' A piper played Flower of Scotland as the hearse arrived for the service at Manchester Cathedral and the crowds burst into applause as the coffin was carried inside. Sir Rod Stewart sent a blue bouquet in the shape of the Scottish flag, with the message: 'You are, and always will be, my footballing hero.' Law was the youngest of seven children, born in Aberdeen on February 24, 1940. Raised by fisherman dad George and mum Robina in a council flat, he went barefoot until the age of 12 and got his first football boots at 16. Despite his sight being affected by a squint, the youngster got his break in 1954 when he was spotted by Huddersfield scout Archie Beattie. Then manager Andy Beattie said at the time: 'Never did I see a less likely football prospect. Weak, puny, bespectacled.' Law would play with one eye shut just to see straight until the club paid for corrective surgery. Manchester City signed him for a British record transfer fee of £55,000 in 1960. After a spell in Italy with Torino, Sir Matt took him to United in 1962. The team was rebuilding after the 1958 Munich air disaster. He formed the famous United Trinity with George Best, who died in 2005, and Bobby Charlton, who passed away two years ago. In 1964 he became the only Scot to win the Ballon d'Or. After 11 seasons in red Law returned to City. He scored a famous back-heel against United - but despite football myth, it wasn't the goal which sent United down. During an 18-year career Law was capped 55 times by his country. Law was survived by his wife Diana, sons Gary, Andrew, Robert and Iain and daughter Diana.
Scottish Sun
27-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Police slammed over daft hate crimes including trans woman banned from ladies loo & man singing Scots song in England
The bizarre cases were among at least 6,300 non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) recorded in 2024 LOO-NACY! Police slammed over daft hate crimes including trans woman banned from ladies loo & man singing Scots song in England COPS are still logging bizarre hate incidents — including the singing of anthem Flower of Scotland at an English railway station. An investigation by The Sun reveals how police — under fire for not catching shoplifters and burglars — are wasting vital time on the 'non-crime hate incidents'. 5 Police across Britain stand accused of failing to tackle 'actual crimes' while instead investigating 'hate' complaints (stock picture) Credit: Alamy 5 One force probed concerns about a man singing anthem Flower of Scotland at an English train station (stock picture) Credit: PA:Press Association 5 Cops also investigated a pub landlord who stopped a transgender woman using his ladies' loo (stock picture) Credit: Alamy Former officers and MPs want the 'crackers' cases scrapped. Police stand accused of failing to tackle 'actual crimes' while instead investigating 'hate' complaints — including one about a pub landlord who stopped a transgender woman using his ladies' loo. Cops also logged a case after a caller put on an Indian accent to order a chicken tikka masala from a takeaway. Another force was contacted by a person whose new boss called their designer clothes 'fake' and told them of an intimate Where's Wally tattoo. The bizarre cases were among at least 6,300 non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) recorded in 2024. The true figure would be much higher as 15 of the 44 police forces in England and Wales did not disclose figures under a Freedom of Information request. MPs and top cops led calls to stop wasting time on NCHIs, which are recorded where no criminal offence has been committed but the 'victim' feels it was motivated by hate or prejudice. Shadow Justice Minister Robert Jenrick said: 'We have lost the plot. 'Practically everyone in the country will have at some point said something that would get them reported. 'This is crackers. Moment Met boss dodges question over two-tier policing of riots by grabbing reporters' mic & chucking it to floor 'We need to scrap NCHIs altogether.' Reform UK's Lee Anderson added: 'The majority of these incidents are reported by total snowflakes. 'These are the people who should be charged with wasting police time. 'Officers should be investigating proper crimes not hurt feelings. 'Those who complain should go and live on a remote island with some of our celebrities who make a living out of being offended.' The person in Bedfordshire upset by the Where's Wally tattoo also complained of the supervisor asking about their shoes and requests to remove their durag hair covering. The incident was recorded as 'sex-based and hate-motivated'. The police log obtained by The Sun says: 'The victim felt irritated for the rest of the shift as it was mean and uncalled for.' In Dunstable, Beds, a complainant said they heard a neighbour gossiping on their Ring doorbell, then point at their home and make an insult before walking off. Bedfordshire Police said: 'We record hate related incidents in line with national guidance set out by the College of Policing.' South Wales Police, which dealt with the trans row, recorded 40 NCHIs last year. It said one 'perpetrator' was aged nine, another 11. Humberside Police logged the case where a person put on an Indian accent to order a curry. West Yorkshire Police handled 175 complaints — one from a man who claimed his bins kept being moved because he was gay. Forces that did not provide their figures included London's Met — the UK's biggest — West Midlands, Essex and Devon and Cornwall. Ex-Met detective Peter Bleksley said: 'These examples are ludicrous and a total waste of police time. 'Waste of police time' 'It is not a policing matter if someone is singing Flower of Scotland. 'If it were, the whole of the Met would have to be deployed when Scotland play rugby at Twickenham. 'These are mostly juvenile situations and officers should not lower themselves to getting involved. 'It is a serious problem when a lot of actual crimes are not investigated.' NCHIs were introduced in 2014 and are meant to help forces develop intelligence on situations that could potentially escalate. In some cases, cops speak to those supposedly committing offences. An NCHI can remain on file for six years and, in some cases, be disclosed to a prospective employer. A report this week by think tank Civitas called for NCHIs to be abolished. Author Hardeep Singh said: 'Some activist groups continue to weaponise them against their political opponents. "We've seen the most absurd incidents being recorded over the years, and precious police resources should not be drained by policing online ideological disputes.' 5 Cops also logged a case after a caller put on an Indian accent to order a chicken tikka masala from a takeaway Credit: Getty - Contributor 5 Another force was contacted by a person whose new boss called their designer clothes 'fake' and told them of an intimate Where's Wally tattoo Credit: Alamy In 2023, the Home Office issued guidance instructing officers to consider if there was genuine hostility in the incident or whether it could be considered freedom of speech. Earlier this month, Greater Manchester Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the policy of recording NCHIs had 'passed its sell-by date'. Sir Andy Marsh, head of standards body the College of Policing, called on officers to use more 'common sense' and signalled that the recording of NCHIs needs to be scrapped. He said: 'What we've wrapped up that objective in doesn't stand up to scrutiny on many occasions under the common-sense test. 'We need to fix it. 'I don't want to be policing freedom of speech.'
The Irish Sun
27-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Police slammed over daft hate crimes including trans woman banned from ladies loo & man singing Scots song in England
COPS are still logging bizarre hate incidents — including the singing of anthem Flower of Scotland at an English railway station. An investigation by The Sun reveals how police — under fire for not catching shoplifters and burglars — are wasting vital time on the 'non-crime hate incidents'. Advertisement 5 Police across Britain stand accused of failing to tackle 'actual crimes' while instead investigating 'hate' complaints (stock picture) Credit: Alamy 5 One force probed concerns about a man singing anthem Flower of Scotland at an English train station (stock picture) Credit: PA:Press Association 5 Cops also investigated a pub landlord who stopped a transgender woman using his ladies' loo (stock picture) Credit: Alamy Former officers and MPs want the 'crackers' cases scrapped. Police stand accused of failing to tackle 'actual crimes' while instead investigating 'hate' complaints — including one about a pub landlord who stopped a transgender woman using his ladies' loo. Cops also logged a case after a caller put on an Indian accent to order a chicken tikka masala from a takeaway. Another force was contacted by a person whose new boss called their designer clothes 'fake' and told them of an intimate Where's Wally tattoo. Advertisement READ MORE UK NEWS The bizarre cases were among at least 6,300 non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) recorded in 2024. The true figure would be much higher as 15 of the 44 police forces in England and Wales did not disclose figures under a Freedom of Information request. MPs and top cops led calls to stop wasting time on NCHIs, which are recorded where no criminal offence has been committed but the 'victim' feels it was motivated by hate or prejudice. Shadow Justice Minister Advertisement Most read in The Sun 'Practically everyone in the country will have at some point said something that would get them reported. 'This is crackers. Moment Met boss dodges question over two-tier policing of riots by grabbing reporters' mic & chucking it to floor 'We need to scrap NCHIs altogether.' Reform UK's Advertisement 'These are the people who should be charged with wasting police time. 'Officers should be investigating proper crimes not hurt feelings. 'Those who complain should go and live on a remote island with some of our celebrities who make a living out of being offended.' The person in Bedfordshire upset by the Where's Wally tattoo also complained of the supervisor asking about their shoes and requests to remove their durag hair covering. Advertisement The incident was recorded as 'sex-based and hate-motivated'. The police log obtained by The Sun says: 'The victim felt irritated for the rest of the shift as it was mean and uncalled for.' In Dunstable, Beds, a complainant said they heard a neighbour gossiping on their Ring doorbell, then point at their home and make an insult before walking off. Bedfordshire Police said: 'We record hate related incidents in line with national guidance set out by the College of Policing.' Advertisement South Wales Police, which dealt with the trans row, recorded 40 NCHIs last year. It said one 'perpetrator' was aged nine, another 11. Humberside Police logged the case where a person put on an Indian accent to order a curry. West Yorkshire Police handled 175 complaints — one from a man who claimed his bins kept being moved because he was gay. Advertisement Forces that did not provide their figures included London's Met — the UK's biggest — West Midlands, Essex and Devon and Cornwall. Ex-Met detective Peter Bleksley said: 'These examples are ludicrous and a total waste of police time. 'Waste of police time' 'It is not a policing matter if someone is singing Flower of Scotland . 'If it were, the whole of the Met would have to be deployed when Scotland play rugby at Twickenham. Advertisement 'These are mostly juvenile situations and officers should not lower themselves to getting involved. 'It is a serious problem when a lot of actual crimes are not investigated.' NCHIs were introduced in 2014 and are meant to help forces develop intelligence on situations that could potentially escalate. In some cases, cops speak to those supposedly committing offences. Advertisement An NCHI can remain on file for six years and, in some cases, be disclosed to a prospective employer. A report this week by think tank Civitas called for NCHIs to be abolished. Author Hardeep Singh said: 'Some activist groups continue to weaponise them against their political opponents. "We've seen the most absurd incidents being recorded over the years, and precious police resources should not be drained by policing online ideological disputes.' 5 Cops also logged a case after a caller put on an Indian accent to order a chicken tikka masala from a takeaway Credit: Getty - Contributor Advertisement 5 Another force was contacted by a person whose new boss called their designer clothes 'fake' and told them of an intimate Where's Wally tattoo Credit: Alamy In 2023, the Home Office issued guidance instructing officers to consider if there was genuine hostility in the incident or whether it could be considered freedom of speech. Earlier this month, Greater Manchester Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the policy of recording NCHIs had 'passed its sell-by date'. Sir Andy Marsh, head of standards body the College of Policing, called on officers to use more 'common sense' and signalled that the recording of NCHIs needs to be scrapped. Advertisement He said: 'What we've wrapped up that objective in doesn't stand up to scrutiny on many occasions under the common-sense test. 'We need to fix it. 'I don't want to be policing freedom of speech.'
