Scottish school condemned for 'flying too many England flags' » Education » 24dash.com

A Scottish school was condemned today for flying too many England flags in a World Cup display.

Hillhead High in Glasgow was "unwise" to use a large majority of England flags in a corridor decoration, according to senior Scottish National Party councillor John Mason.

The SNP's group leader on Glasgow City Council spoke out after receiving a complaint from a pupil at the school who was apparently upset at the "excessive" number of St George crosses.

Mr Mason took the step of writing to the headteacher, arguing he should balance up the display and also accusing him of making a political statement.

The councillor said: "I received a complaint from someone at the school who had objected to the number of England flags.

"From what I understand it was almost exclusively England, and I think it was ill advised to attach the World Cup to England in that way.

"The headteacher tried to draw a comparison with St Andrew's Day and Chinese New Year.

"But the World Cup is an international event and I would expect the school to dig out 32 flags."

Mr Mason said he considered the matter a serious issue.

He said: "I feel that's making a political statement.

"I would have thought the school should be taking a neutral view.

"I think it was very unwise of the school."

Hillhead High's headteacher Drew Cunningham was unavailable for comment.

On the school's website it was described as having a "distinct international flavour" with over 30 other nationalities represented.

"The school is pleased with the good relationships among the various groups," the website adds.

Glasgow City Council said all competing nations flags had been up at the school, with "one or two" England flags as they were easier to obtain.

A spokesman said: "The school regularly celebrates multi-cultural events.

"Flags from all the nations taking part in the World Cup were represented and it was displayed with the best of intentions.

"An emergency motion was approved today by the council condemning all forms of bigotry, hatred and racism, and calling on Glaswegians to end any anti-English hatred."

Mr Mason's comments come after a series of incidents that have highlighted anti-English sentiment north of the border.

There have been several attacks in Scotland during the World Cup tournament on fans wearing England tops, including a seven-year-old boy who was punched in the head.

And First Minister Jack McConnell has consistently pledged to support World Cup teams playing against England.

Copyright Press Association 2006