Council apologises amid school Union Flag row

A council has apologised for any "upset" caused over a letter sent to parents by a headteacher which implied the Union Flag could be seen as "potentially offensive or sectarian".

Fiona MacDonald, of Cross Arthurlie Primary School in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, raised concerns following a P7 leavers' event last week which was attended by parents and carers. In her letter, Ms MacDonald said the use of a Union Flag featuring staff images "caused some upset at the beginning of the evening".

She added: "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." The headteacher said she had spoken to the children to explain "why it wasn't a good idea" to use images without permission.

She also explained "the symbolism and association of flags and symbols to different groups of people" and how the youngsters' actions were "contrary to the school values of respect and kindness". Ms MacDonald then signed off: "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 later apologised and said it was "not the school's intention to imply the Union Flag is sectarian".

The leader of the Scottish Conservatives had earlier called for the local authority to apologise for the "daft letter". Russell Findlay MSP said: "For a school to tell parents that our country's flag is 'offensive or sectarian' is ludicrous and embarrassing." Former party leader and colleague Jackson Carlaw, MSP for Eastwood, also voiced his anger at the letter.

Posting on X, 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." Demanding an apology, 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." In a statement, East Renfrewshire Council 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.".