East Renfrewshire Council Apologises Over Union Flag Sectarianism Claim

A primary school in East Renfrewshire, Scotland, apologised after its head teacher suggested in a letter to parents that the Union flag could be seen as potentially offensive or sectarian. The letter was sent following a P7 leavers’ event where pupils brought Union flags with staff images that caused upset. The head teacher, Fiona MacDonald, emphasized the school’s commitment to inclusion and explained to the children why using the flag in this manner was not appropriate, linking it to respect and kindness values. The letter sparked criticism from Scottish Conservative politicians, including MSP Jackson Carlaw and party leader Russell Findlay, who described the comments as deeply offensive and politically motivated. East Renfrewshire Council clarified that it was not the school's intention to imply the Union flag is sectarian and issued an apology for any offence caused. The controversy highlights tensions over national symbols and political influence in Scottish schools.