Labour MSP offers views on Sash

Karen Gillon said people should be allowed to celebrate their heritage

A Lanarkshire Labour MSP has revealed how she used to sing The Sash at Rangers matches, in a new book to be published later this month.

Karen Gillon, who represents Clydesdale, is a lifelong supporter of the Ibrox club and has contributed to the book called 'It's Rangers for me'.

She said: "Yes I have sung The Sash. I would be a liar to deny it and I am not a liar."

She said she was conscious that some people could be offended by the song.

However, she said it has an important part to play in other people's heritage.

The Sash commemorates King William's victory at Battle of the Boyne in 1690 and is sung and played at loyalist parades.

It has caused controversy at matches in the past, with critics claiming that it contains sectarian sentiment.

'Two faiths'

In the new book - which also includes contributions from Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser and former socialist MSP Carolyn Leckie - Ms Gillon made it clear she opposes bigotry.

She said: "I do think people should be allowed to celebrate their heritage and where they come from."

The Labour MSP, who is married to a Catholic, added: "Ultimately, we (Protestants and Catholics) worship the same God, although we express that faith differently.

"But the differences between the two faiths are far less than the bits that are the same."