Scotland’s women’s cricket team will take to the field at Old Trafford this weekend accompanied by a newly recorded version of Flower of Scotland, created by an all female choir ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The anthem was recorded at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh and will be played publicly for the first time before Scotland’s opening match against Ireland on Saturday.
Current and former pupils from the school’s choir took part in the recording, including Scotland bowler Gabriella Fontenla and Scotland Under 19 international Charlotte Nevard.
The project was developed after Scotland’s players discussed how previous recordings of the national anthem did not fully reflect the identity of the team ahead of major international tournaments.
The new version arrives as Scotland prepares for another appearance on the world stage following the team’s historic debut at the tournament in 2024.
Fiona Rae, Cricket Scotland Team Manager, said:
“After their debut World Cup appearance in 2024, the players talked internally about how previously played versions of the national anthem did not fully represent them as a team.
“They were keen to take the opportunity to have a new version recorded ahead of this tournament, especially with it being played so close to home and the prospect of hundreds of Scotland supporters joining in at such a special moment pre-match.
“We were delighted to work with George Watson’s College, where four of the touring party went to school, and a place that had a huge influence on the cricketing careers of Kathryn and Sarah in particular.
“The recording sounds fantastic and the squad feel it truly represents them as a collective, and we can’t wait to hear it played out at Old Trafford on Saturday.”
For the players involved, the recording carries particular significance as Scotland prepares to compete against some of the world’s leading cricket nations.
Among those taking part was Gabriella Fontenla, who balanced her role as a Scotland international with joining classmates in the choir.
Gabriella Fontenla said:
“It was so exciting to be part of such a unique afternoon, and singing with my classmates was so much fun, even if I don’t rate myself much as a singer!
“This recording is really important for us as a team in how it resonates with us, it feels personal and integral to us in how we are represented on the world stage.
“It’ll be a really emotional moment when it’s played on Saturday, and we’ll be so proud to be singing along to it.”
George Watson’s College has strong links to the Scotland squad, with several current and former pupils involved in the national set up.
Principal Lisa Kerr said:
“We were delighted to work with Cricket Scotland on this very special recording of ‘Flower of Scotland’.
“Bringing together former and current female Watson’s pupils was a fitting reflection of our strong community spirit and our proud connection to Scottish women’s cricket, with both current and former pupils represented in the national squad.
“We are excited to follow the team’s journey in the upcoming World Cup fixtures and wish the whole team every success.”
When Scotland walks onto the field against Ireland on Saturday, the new recording will provide a fitting soundtrack to another proud moment for Scottish women’s cricket.
