Parliament Workbench

Petition · PE01826 · Session 5

Introduce a new national emblem of Scotland

Closed Submitted 21 Aug 2020 Parliament & Constitution
Signatures
0
23 online signatures with a country
Comments
12
Considered
1 meeting
in the Official Report

What it asks

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to facilitate a national conversation to identify, and adopt, an additional official emblem for Scotland.

What the petitioner did first

The petition brief was submitted to Mid Scotland and Fife representative MSP’s (Keith Brown, Liz Smith, Murdo Fraser, Claire Baker, Dean Lockhart, Mark Ruskell, Alexander Stewart and Alex Rowley) for feedback and/or comment.
Replies were received from Murdo Fraser, Alex Rowley and Keith Brown
- none of which raised objections.

Where it was considered

Official Report
  1. 29 Oct 2020
    Public Petitions Committee
    New Petitions
    1 mention

Signatures by country

23 online signatures
  1. Scotland16 69.6%
  2. United Kingdom6 26.1%
  3. Serbia1 4.3%

Comments

12 comments, oldest first
  1. Robbie Meney 12 Sep 2020
    I don't think demanding an emblem is important or urgent enough to be a problem for anyone.
  2. William McGinley 17 Sep 2020
    The Scottish Crossbill would be a good emblem as it is unique to our country.
  3. Andrew Anderson 18 Sep 2020
    I think the unicorn and thistle already meet the requirements. Although no doubt not intended at the time the unicorn was very forward looking given the association with diversity and acceptance of all that it now represents. Is that what is bothering the petitioner and this is on fact an attempt to get rid of the unicorn?
  4. Stuart Docherty 26 Sep 2020
    The Lion Rampant should be adopted as the emblem.
  5. Christine Cather 26 Sep 2020
    Loving the unicorn and the thistle, no need to foist something new that might feel artificial to us.
  6. Jan Vettraino 27 Sep 2020
    We do indeed need to work on improving many aspects of Scotland to better support the people of Scotland. But taking time to review its official emblem would only be a diversion, and even a smoke screen, rather than spending time on addressing the issues.
  7. Louise Cook 8 Oct 2020
    I like the unicorn too, but maybe ditch the chains, not much equality there.
  8. Darren Scurfield 20 Oct 2020
    Don't think another emblem is needed, there are enough symbols of Scotland as a whole, unicorn, thistle, saltire, lion rampant.
    Are you asking us to all unite under the Scottish wildcat or the capercaillie. Beware "follow the gourd! No, follow the sandal!" Seems irrelevant really.
  9. Lorna Stewart Clan Stewart of Appin 21 Oct 2020
    This is a misguided petition. It will divide people, not unite them. You cant add something new without subtracting importance from the existing. You need to encourage and invigorate Scotland at its core, the proudly unique nation that it is, steeped in brave and fascinating history and at the forefront of inventions past and present, always looking to lead ahead. You need to reinforce national pride, not introduce the idea that our emblems are not good enough. You have to rather revisit and explore the existing emblems, discuss their meanings and use those principles to encourage and empower. The Unicorn represents deep and glorious things. Examine closely with proper research, all the attributes it has represented for people in ancient and indeed present times. There is one attribute of its horn being able to clear muddy waters. Strength, honour and loyalty are at the forefront of its character. Likewise the thistle thrives in harsh conditions and stands out among flora being strong, complex, beautiful and unique, even though its largely seen as a thorny pest. People need strength now, they need to feel like a miracle is possible. You need to be looking at all the ways you can use the existing emblems to restore faith and strength for people and communities. Give them hope and instil the concept of empowerment. I am sure people dont give our emblems deep thought, so promote their qualities and concepts, tell of their beauty and strength and remarkable bearing. Champion them, dont diminish them. What's wrong with mythical legends? It inspires the youth. We should learn from history, the fact we dont is modern downfall. The appearance of the Unicorn has been altered in mass media to sell merchandise, but it always symbolises freedom, strength, courage, mystery, hope and miracles, qualities the thistle shares. These are all good, moral characteristics that inspire trust and confidence, empowering the youth, our future leaders. Focus, dont waste time.
  10. Sheila McKinnon 21 Oct 2020
    The otter or the golden eagle might be possibilities.
  11. David South 21 Oct 2020
    What a waste of time. Scotland is recognised all over the world by its many iconic symbols
    - unicorn, lion, thistle, tartan, saltire, Loch Ness monster even. Why on earth should our representatives have to waste time with this?
  12. Graeme Knox 21 Oct 2020
    Well said Lorna Stewart. This is nonsense. Focus on what is important.