A Scottish council has been forced to issue an apology following controversy over a headteacher's letter that suggested the Union Jack could be viewed as "potentially offensive or sectarian".
The incident occurred at Cross Arthurlie Primary School in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, when Fiona MacDonald wrote to parents about a P7 leavers' event.
In her letter, MacDonald said the use of a Union Jack featuring staff images "caused some upset at the beginning of the evening".
She said: "As a school we promote inclusion and acceptance, actively working against potentially offensive or sectarian messaging."
The incident occurred at Cross Arthurlie Primary School in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, when Fiona MacDonald wrote to parents about a P7 leavers' event.
The headteacher explained she had spoken to pupils about "the symbolism and association of flags and symbols to different groups of people" and how their actions were "contrary to the school values of respect and kindness".
The letter sparked backlash from the leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, who demanded an apology from the council.
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay MSP said: "For a school to tell parents that our country's flag is 'offensive or sectarian' is ludicrous and embarrassing."
Blaming the SNP's leadership, Findlay added: "This is what happens when the SNP’s toxic nationalism infects schools and councils."
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MacDonald said using a Union Flag featuring staff images 'caused some upset at the beginning of the evening'
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Jackson Carlaw, MSP for Eastwood and former party leader, expressed his anger on social media.
Taking to X, he wrote: "Let me be clear. To equate the Union Flag with sectarianism is totally unacceptable and deeply offensive to people both locally and across Scotland."
Carlaw added: "Our national flag is not up for debate. It is a symbol of our tradition, unity as a nation and hope for so many."
East Renfrewshire Council issued a comprehensive apology addressing the controversy.
Russell Findlay MSP demanded an apology from the council
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In their statement, the council said: "It was not the school's intention to imply the Union Flag is sectarian and both the headteacher and the council apologise for any offence and upset that has been caused to pupils, parents and carers and the wider community."
The authority emphasised its commitment to educational values.
The council added: "All educational establishments in East Renfrewshire should be spaces that are focused on learning, unity, and pride in a diverse British society."
The statement concluded: "We expect our schools to foster an ethos of respect for diverse perspectives and national identity."
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