How a Mistake Gave Birth to Murrayfield’s Anthem Tradition

Scottish Rugby has disclosed that the now-iconic a cappella rendition of “Flower Of Scotland” at Murrayfield Stadium originated from an unexpected mistake. This moment, which has become a hallmark of international matches, traces back to a 2008 Six Nations game between Scotland and France.

On the centenary of Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scottish Rugby officials shared the story of how a misunderstanding between event organizers and musicians led to a unique moment during a sound check. Julie Beels, who was then a freelance entertainment producer at the stadium, recalled the incident with a mix of humor and relief. “I thought I’d lose my job,” the now 39-year-old said, reflecting on the moment when the pipe band abruptly halted mid-way through the anthem.

At the sound check, the pipe band had asked whether to play one or two verses of the anthem. Beels responded, “Once is fine – it’s only the sound checks,” mistakenly believing they would perform the full anthem during the match. When the pipers stopped after the first verse, she felt a wave of panic. Standing in front of approximately 67,000 spectators, she feared the worst.

Instead of silence, the crowd spontaneously began to sing the second verse, creating a powerful and unaccompanied anthem moment that sent shivers down her spine. “It gave me goosebumps,” Beels said. “From there, it grew a special following.”

The day did not yield a victory for Scotland, as they lost 27-6 to France under the captaincy of Jason White. However, the atmosphere generated by the crowd’s unexpected participation left an indelible mark. Initially reserved for major matches, the a cappella version of the anthem has evolved into a regular feature at Murrayfield, with other sports teams and even football crowds around the world adopting the tradition.

Chris Paterson, Scotland’s all-time leading points scorer and part of the squad during that memorable match, reflected on the experience. “The game was pretty forgettable, but the memory of the anthem that day is still vivid,” he remarked. “As we sang through the second verse, the noise rose, and the connection with those in the stadium grew.”

The phenomenon has since gained traction on social media, with videos of the Murrayfield anthem accumulating millions of views on platforms like YouTube. Its influence has spread beyond the rugby pitch, inspiring similar displays in various sports, from Major League Baseball games to the Kentucky Derby.

In celebration of the centenary of Murrayfield, Scottish Rugby is inviting fans to share their memories of the stadium. The milestone will be commemorated during the upcoming Quilter Nations Series, featuring matches against the USA, New Zealand, Argentina, and Tonga. The clash with the All Blacks on November 8, 2023 is particularly significant, marking the centenary test.

Mark Laidlaw, Scottish Rugby’s director of stadium development and operations, emphasized the important role Murrayfield has played in shaping Scottish sports culture. “Scottish Gas Murrayfield has been the backdrop to so many iconic moments,” he stated, citing events from Calcutta Cup victories to concerts featuring artists like Tina Turner and David Bowie.

As the stadium turns 100, the focus is on the memories created by the millions who have visited over the years, whether celebrating a historic win or attending a long-awaited concert. The story of “Flower Of Scotland” serves as a testament to the unexpected joys that can arise from mistakes, transforming a moment of panic into a beloved tradition.