A Cappella Anthem’s Humble Origins at Murrayfield Stadium

Scottish Rugby has revealed that the a cappella rendition of “Flower of Scotland” during international matches originated from an unexpected mix-up. This incident took place at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, marking the 100th anniversary of the iconic venue. The initial confusion occurred before a Six Nations match against France in 2008, leading to an unforgettable moment that has since become a global phenomenon.

Julie Beels, the events lead for Scottish Rugby, was a freelance entertainment producer at the time. She recalled the events that unfolded during a routine sound check. “We’d only played both verses before, and at the sound check, the pipe band asked if we wanted it once or twice, and I said, ‘Once is fine – it’s only the sound checks,’” she explained. Beels assumed the band understood that both verses would be performed during the match.

As the match approached, the unexpected happened. The pipers halted their performance after the first verse, leaving Beels in a state of panic. “There I was, in front of 67,000 people, thinking, ‘That’s it. I’m done.’ But then the crowd just kept singing—louder and louder—completely unaccompanied. It gave me goosebumps,” she shared. This spontaneous participation transformed the anthem into a collective experience, solidifying its status as a cherished tradition in Scottish rugby.

From Mistake to Tradition

Initially, the a cappella version was reserved for major matches with sold-out crowds. Over time, it became a regular feature at Murrayfield, inspiring visiting teams and even football fans to adopt the idea. The phenomenon has taken off online, with videos of the anthem garnering millions of views on platforms like YouTube.

Chris Paterson, Scotland’s record points-scorer and a member of the team during that historic match, fondly recalled the moment. “The game was pretty forgettable, but the memory of the anthem that day is still vivid,” he stated. “As we sang through the second verse, the noise rose and the connection with those in the stadium grew. It’s an amazing part of what it means to be part of Scottish rugby.”

Despite the 27-6 loss to France that day, the atmosphere created by the crowd singing the anthem became an unforgettable highlight. Beels, reflecting on the experience, noted, “It could – and probably should – have been the worst moment of my career, but instead, it’s the highlight. It’s amazing the way it’s now done around the world, but I can’t help but think ‘hey – that’s our thing.’”

Celebrating a Century of Memories

As part of the centenary celebrations for Murrayfield Stadium, Scottish Rugby is inviting supporters to share their memories of the venue, which has hosted countless iconic moments over the years. The centenary will be marked during the Quilter Nations Series, where Scotland will face the USA, New Zealand, Argentina, and Tonga on consecutive weekends. The clash against the All Blacks on November 8, 2023, is particularly significant as it is designated as the centenary test.

Mark Laidlaw, Scottish Rugby’s Director of Stadium Development and Operations, emphasized the stadium’s historical importance. “Scottish Gas Murrayfield has been the backdrop to so many iconic moments—from Calcutta Cup triumphs and Grand Slam glory to unforgettable gigs by Oasis, David Bowie, and Taylor Swift,” he stated. “We want to hear from the millions of people who’ve helped make the stadium what it is over the past 100 years—whether it’s a historic win or the concert you waited 30 years to see.”

As the centenary approaches, the legacy of the a cappella “Flower of Scotland” continues to resonate, illustrating how an unforeseen mistake can evolve into a beloved tradition that unites fans, players, and communities.