Our Saltire shouldn't be a hostile sign

Seeing the Scottish men's rugby team ship five tries in 23 minutes, surrender a 21-0 lead and lose 24-33 last Sunday was proof enough: when it comes to watching Scotland, the phrase “it’s the hope that gets you” is no cliché.

- Ewan Aitken

Walking to the game, I saw many people draped in Saltire flags -most wrapped around their shoulders like Superman’s cape, hoping they might bring us the strength we needed to win.

Though victory wasn’t to be, the sea of flags spoke of a shared identity. Whatever our personal stories or circumstances, the Saltire was a symbol for all of us who see ourselves as Scottish - a nation we all belonged to.