Scotland’s national anthem ‘Flower of Scotland’ has been re-recorded by an all-female choir ahead of the start of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The recording took place at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh, the former school of Kathryn and Sarah Bryce, and involved current and former female pupils of the school choir including Scotland bowler Gabriella Fontenla, a sixth-year student at the school, as well as fellow student and Scotland U19 international Charlotte Nevard.
The new anthem will be played for the first time in public ahead of Scotland’s opening fixture in the World Cup, against Ireland this Saturday at Old Trafford.
Fiona Rae, Cricket Scotland Team Manager, said:
“After their debut World Cup appearance in 2024, the players talked internally about how previously played versions of the national anthem did not fully represent them as a team. They were keen to take the opportunity to have a new version recorded ahead of this tournament, especially with it being played so close to home and the prospect of hundreds of Scotland supporters joining in at such a special moment pre-match.
“We were delighted to work with George Watson’s College, where four of the touring party went to school, and a place that had a huge influence on the cricketing careers of Kathryn and Sarah in particular. The recording sounds fantastic and the squad feel it truly represents them as a collective, and we can’t wait to hear it played out at Old Trafford on Saturday.”
Gabriella Fontenla said:
“It was so exciting to be part of such a unique afternoon, and singing with my classmates was so much fun, even if I don’t rate myself much as a singer!
“This recording is really important for us as a team in how it resonates with us – it feels personal and integral to us in how we are represented on the world stage. It’ll be a really emotional moment when it’s played on Saturday, and we’ll be so proud to be singing along to it.”
Lisa Kerr, Principal of George Watson’s College, said:
“We were delighted to work with Cricket Scotland on this very special recording of ‘Flower of Scotland’. Bringing together former and current female Watson’s pupils was a fitting reflection of our strong community spirit and our proud connection to Scottish women’s cricket, with both current and former pupils represented in the national squad.
“We are excited to follow the team’s journey in the upcoming World Cup fixtures and wish the whole team every success.”
