The anthem mix up that became a tradition

The sound of more than 65,000 voices roaring the national anthem Flower of Scotland without musical accompaniment has become one of the most spine-tingling spectacles in world sport.

But few fans know that Scotland’s a cappella second verse – an unmissable Scottish Gas Murrayfield tradition now echoed in sports around the world from Major League Baseball to the Kentucky Derby – was the result of a mix up between event organisers and musicians ahead of a 2008 Six Nations clash between Scotland and France that staff first feared could cost them their jobs.

Scottish Rugby has now revealed the story behind that day– thought to be the first time a national anthem was sung by fans without music at a sporting fixture anywhere in the world – for the launch of Murrayfield Memories, a campaign to mark 100 years of the national stadium. The campaign calls for people from Scotland and across the world to share their memories of Scottish Gas Murrayfield – from rugby, football, concerts, or live events over the years.

Julie Beels, 39, now events lead at Scottish Rugby working on all major events including Oasis’ three sell out gigs earlier this week, was just 21 at the time, working matchday as a freelance entertainment producer. She was responsible for rehearsals, flag bearers and calling the show live – but one small misunderstanding changed Scottish Gas Murrayfield’s matchday forever.

She said: “It’s funny to look back on now, but at the time I thought I’d lose my job. 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’. I thought they knew we’d play both verses for real ahead of the match.

“Minutes later, the pipers stopped playing after the first verse of the anthem and my heart just sank. There I was, in front of 67,000 people, thinking, ‘That’s it. I’m done.

“But the crowd just kept singing – louder and louder – completely unaccompanied. It gave me goosebumps. From there, it grew a special following. Scotland has never had an anthem singer because at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, the crowd is the singer. It reached a new level that day.”

She added: “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!’”

The anthem didn’t inspire a win that day – a Jason White-skippered Scotland fell 27-6 to Les Bleus – but the atmosphere it created proved unforgettable.

Initially, the a cappella second verse was kept for major games with sell-out crowds, but over time, it became a permanent fixture at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, with visiting teams and even football crowds overseas adopting the idea. The Scottish Gas Murrayfield national anthem has also become a massive online hit – racking up millions of views from fans around the world on platforms including YouTube.

Legendary former Scotland captain and record points-scorer Chris Paterson, 47, who was on the bench that day, says the effect on the players is electric.

He said: “The game was pretty forgettable, but the memory of the anthem that day is still vivid. I can remember initially thinking it must be a mistake and being a bit confused but as we sang through the second verse the noise rose and the connection with those in the stadium grew. I then assumed it must have been deliberate! Whether you’re a player, coach, fan, or watching at home – it’s special. It’s an amazing part of what it means to be part of Scottish rugby. It always makes me smile when I see and hear it done at other events and venues across the world.”

The incredible tale launches Murrayfield Memories, Scottish Rugby’s campaign to collect fan stories in the stadium’s centenary year – to be celebrated during the Quilter Nations Series autumn internationals at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in November.

Scotland will face USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga on consecutive weekends in the Quilter Nations Series, with the All Blacks clash on Saturday 8 November being earmarked as the Centenary Test.

Supporters are being invited to share memories spanning decades – from Grand Slam glory and club cup finals to sell-out concerts and once-in-a-lifetime visits.

Mark Laidlaw, Scottish Rugby’s Director of Stadium Development and Operations, said: “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, Tina Turner, Taylor Swift and more. It’s a place where families, friends and even whole countries come together to create memories that last a lifetime.

“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. These memories are worth keeping for the next generation and we will be capturing and promoting them this year to continue our Centenary celebrations.”

Submissions will form part of an online archive with selected stories being chosen for the official Centenary Programme, which will be published ahead of the matches in November, alongside contributions from Scotland players past and present, as well as international stars including Mathieu Bastareaud, Bryan Habana and Quade Cooper, who have all experienced Scottish Gas Murrayfield’s unique atmosphere.

Submit your Murrayfield Memory by clicking on the image below. Tickets are still available for the Quilter Nations Series games against Argentina, USA and Tonga and found in the ticketing section of this website.

Watch Julie share her Murrayfield Memory below.