Scots primary school head under fire after branding Union flag 'offensive or sectarian'
A major row has erupted at a Scots primary school after its headteacher branded the Union flag"potentially offensive or sectarian" i n a letter to parents.
The letter which leaked on social media showed the head raising concerns about the UK's national flag being displayed at an event for parents and guardians.
As the Scottish Daily Express reports, the incident unfolded at Cross Arthurlie Primary School in East Renfrewshire with the correspondence signed by the headteacher Fiona MacDonald.
The official school communication has now gone viral sparking a response from Scots Tory politicians who branded the letter"daft".
The criticism has forced council chiefs into an apology over the letter, with education bosses sorry for any "offence and upset" that has been caused.
In the letter, the head told families of P7 leavers that the use of a Union flag in images may have been a "mistake." Writing. "Thank you for coming along last night to make the P7 leavers a special event in the life of the school. The children looked fantastic and had a great time.
'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.
'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.' East Renfrewshire Council confirmed that the letter is genuine.
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Former Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw, who represents Eastwood in East Renfrewshire, blasted the comments as "deeply offensive." He said: "Let me be clear – to equate the Union Flag with sectarianism is totally unacceptable and deeply offensive to people both locally and across Scotland.
'Having spoken with a senior official at @EastRenCouncil this morning, I expect an urgent response, resolution, and retraction. 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.'
A East Renfrewshire spokesperson said: 'It was not the school's intention to imply the Union flag is sectarian and both the Head Teacher 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.'
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