Comments on Scottish Unionist: Concern over Saltire ban at Beijing Olympics

Fair point, Mr Unionist I think. Whether it's bec...

2008-08-05T13:56:00.000+01:00

Fair point, Mr Unionist I think. Whether it's because I'm a nationalist or a patriot (I believe its the latter) I always have a wee smile when I see a saltire flown at sporting events around the world - even when Scotland have been dumped out of the tournament early on.

It's sad that, with this rule, the Saltire may not appear at the Olympics - especially as there will be Scots competing. The IOC look like they are tightening this rule simply to stop China suffering embarrassment at seeing thousands of Tibetan flags at the Games. After all - Cathy Freeman was allowed a lap of hounour at the Sydney Games with an Aboriginee flag.

Your final point is (half) right though. The SNP make much out of it because it is a slight on our nation. But where are the other parties on it? If, as you say, they want to depoliticise it, they should use opportunities like this to fight for it, to show that they are acting in Scotland's interest - not trying to run Scotland down at every opportunity.

You make a v good point about getting this sorted ...

2008-08-05T13:11:00.000+01:00

You make a v good point about getting this sorted before 2012.

Can you imagine Scots fans in their thousands having their Saltires taken from them at stadium gates in London?

A field day for the Nationalists as they drum up memories of banned ceilidhs and bagpipes in 1700s etc (or whenever).

I find it hard to believe someone will not be able...

2008-08-05T11:55:00.000+01:00

I find it hard to believe someone will not be able to manage to take(smuggle) a 'Saltire' into the Olympic events.

My expectation is to see the saltire flying at the Beijing Olympics of that I'm sure.