A council has apologised after a politician demanded to know why a school suggested the Union flag could be ‘sectarian’.
Tory MSP Jackson Carlaw slammed Cross Arthurlie Primary School in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, after they issued a letter to parents about flags which had caused ‘upset’ at a recent event for school leavers.
Headteacher Fiona McDonald said the use of the flag had caused issues at the school, but Carlaw branded the move ‘totally unacceptable and deeply offensive’.
In the letter, Ms McDonald said: ‘Unfortunately, the use of the Union flag with some 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.
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‘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.’
Ms McDonald added that she had spoken to the children about why it wasn’t a good idea, and how different flags and symbols mean different things to people.
‘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,’ she added.
But Carlaw, MSP for East Renfrewshire, 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. 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.’
The school was previously praised by inspectors who described pupils as ‘highly motivated to learn and achieve’.
What are laws about hanging Union flags?
According to the Scottish Parliament, the Saltire (Scottish Flag) should be flown in the ‘superior’ position, followed by the Union flag.
There are no laws restricting the flying of either flag, but tradition stipulates the Saltire flies above the Union flag.
Schools are not required to fly any flags.
The report described pupils as ‘polite, confident, articulate’ and ‘proud of their school and demonstrate the school values very well.’
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 apologise 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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