How a Mistake Turned into a Beloved Anthem Tradition at Murrayfield

Scottish Rugby has revealed that the a cappella rendition of “Flower of Scotland” during international matches originated from a misunderstanding. This incident, which took place at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, has since evolved into a cherished tradition among fans and teams alike.

The confusion began on the eve of the 2008 Six Nations match between Scotland and France. Julie Beels, then a freelance entertainment producer, recounted that a mix-up occurred during a sound check. The pipe band, unsure whether to play both verses of the anthem, stopped after the first verse, leaving Beels anxious about her future with the organization.

“Minutes later, the pipers stopped playing after the first verse of the anthem and my heart just sank,” Beels, now 39, recalled. “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.”

Initially, “Flower of Scotland” had only been sung in full during select matches, but the spontaneous crowd participation that day marked a turning point. Beels remembered thinking it could have been a disastrous moment, but instead, it became a highlight of her career.

The atmosphere created by the crowd that day was unforgettable, even though Scotland lost the match 27-6 to France. The a cappella version, originally reserved for major games, has since become a regular feature at Murrayfield, with many visiting teams and even football fans adopting the practice. Videos showcasing the anthem have garnered millions of views online, spreading its popularity globally.

Chris Paterson, Scotland’s record points-scorer and a player in that match, reflected on the experience. “The game was pretty forgettable, but the memory of the anthem that day is still vivid,” he stated. “As we sang through the second verse, the noise rose and the connection with those in the stadium grew. It’s special, whether you’re a player, coach, or fan.”

Scottish Rugby is currently encouraging fans to share their memories of Murrayfield as part of the stadium’s centenary celebrations. This milestone will be highlighted during the upcoming Quilter Nations Series, where Scotland will face the USA, New Zealand, Argentina, and Tonga over consecutive weekends. The clash against the All Blacks on November 8, 2023, has been designated as the centenary test.

Mark Laidlaw, Scottish Rugby’s director of stadium development and operations, noted the significance of Murrayfield’s history. “Scottish Gas Murrayfield has been the backdrop to so many iconic moments— from Calcutta Cup triumphs to unforgettable gigs by artists like Oasis and David Bowie,” he stated. “We want to hear from the millions of people who’ve helped make the stadium what it is over the past 100 years.”

As Murrayfield approaches this significant anniversary, the legacy of a simple mistake transformed into a powerful tradition continues to resonate, uniting fans and players in a uniquely Scottish experience.