A primary school headteacher has been slammed after suggesting the Union Jack is “potentially offensive” or “sectarian”. The Scottish school also told students why it was “contrary to the school values of respect and kindness”, when explaining to them the following morning why showing the flag “wasn’t a good idea”.
An image of the Union Jack had been used as a background at a leavers’ event at Cross Arthurlie Primary School in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, and the headteacher, Fiona MacDonald, sent an apology to parents for the “upset” it had caused. The letter was slammed as “daft” and “ludicrous” by the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, who demanded an apology.
Russell Findlay MSP said: “For a school to tell parents that our country’s flag is ‘offensive or sectarian’ is ludicrous and embarrassing.”
The letter, signed off by Fiona MacDonald, said: “Unfortunately the use of the union flag with 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.
“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.”
She also explained “the symbolism and association of flags and symbols to different groups of people.”
Jackson Carlaw, Conservative MSP for Eastwood, also voiced his anger on X, saying: “Let me be clear – to equate the Union Flag with sectarianism is totally unacceptable and deeply offensive to people both locally and across Scotland.”
He added: “Our national flag is not up for debate – it is a symbol of our tradition, unity as a nation and hope for so many.”
East Renfrewshire Council has apologised and said it was “not the school’s intention to imply the Union Flag is sectarian”.
In a statement it said: “It was not the school’s intention to imply the Union Flag is sectarian and both the headteacher and the council apologises 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.”
