
This week the National Anthem hit the headlines as a Tory minister called for God Save the Queen to be played every day on the BBC in the run up to the platinum jubilee.
But did you know there is a line about Scots in the song - which has caused a "number of people" to raise concerns in the past.
Here's what you need to know about the mention of Scots in the UK national anthem ...
READ MORE: Andrew Rosindell doubles down on 'God Save the Queen' call in Kate Garraway row
Are Scots mentioned in the national anthem?
Yes, Scots do feature in the national anthem, but you may not have heard the verse sung before.
The line about Scots doesn't come into until verse 6, which is not frequently sung during events and in fact has not been played publically for a number of years.
The verse reads: "Lord grant that Marshal Wade, May by thy mighty aid, Victory bring. May he sedition hush, And like a torrent rush, Rebellious Scots to crush, God Save the King."
It's a tribute to Marshal George Wade, the commander-in-chief of George II's Hanoverian forces, however its inclusion in the anthem has raised questions in the past.
READ MORE: Scots suggest songs the BBC should play instead of God Save the Queen
During Gordon Brown's premiership, the PM ordered a review of British citizenship conducted by former attorney Lord Goldsmith, who suggested that the verse calling for "rebellious Scots" to be crushed should be rewritten.
Speaking in 2007, Lord Goldsmith said: "Quite a number of people have raised the issue of the national anthem in a number of ways.
"I think the national anthem is an important part of our national tradition."
He added: "But the review is about different ways of sharing our tradition and national identity ...
"What we have to look at is different ways of saying what it is that links the country together."
However, in 2010 it was confirmed that no changes would be made to the anthem.
The debate over the lyrics has been raging for decades, with Billy Connolly first raising the question in the 1980s during his 'appearance on 'An Audience With...' which attracted millions of viewers.
The comedian said of the anthem: "It's an appalling song, and it's racist. The fourth verse is all about Marshal Wade coming up to give us a belt in the mouth."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel