Damien Henderson
and Erik Geddes
In political terms, she may deserve some sort of bravery award for attacking what most would consider untouchable.
Undeterred, Christine Grahame, the nationalist MSP, yesterday took on the George Medal, the award given in recognition of outstanding acts of civilian bravery along with its counterpart, the George Cross, as being a "quintessentially English."
The South of Scotland MSP has tabled a motion urging Scottish ministers to institute an award, the St Andrew medal for gallantry, to recognise "acts of great bravery by individuals in Scotland".
Ms Grahame said: "Given we have had some recent high profile examples of such acts of heroism it is time we remedied the situation and properly recognised these outstanding individuals," she said.
"Whilst I accept that the current George Medal is available to people throughout the UK, it is clearly a very Anglo-centric award that takes no account of Scotland's long and well-established tradition of bravery, both in civilian life and in the role performed by Scots service personnel over the centuries."
Ms Grahame, MSP for South of Scotland region, went on: "The George Medal depicts St George of England slaying a mythical dragon, a representation that remains quintessentially English.
"There is nothing wrong with that of course, but clearly the Scottish Government will, I am sure, be keen to commission an award that reflects Scotland's own national character in a manner that is more fitting for those who receive the medal."
The George Medal and George Cross were created to reward acts of bravery committed by members of the Commonwealth not serving in the armed forces, who can be awarded the Victoria Cross.
James Wallace Beaton, 65, one of the Scots awarded the George Cross for his role in preventing Princess Anne being kidnapped in London in 1974 while he was an inspector with the Metropolitan Police, said Ms Grahame's suggestion was divisive and would effectively devalue the awards' standing.
He said: "Bravery is bravery the world over, be it Scotland, Ireland, Wales or anywhere else. The Victoria and George Crosses are recognised the world over. If you were to have a Scottish George Cross, why not a Scottish Victoria Cross? Should I be given a Scottish award because I am a Scot living in England?"
Professor Tom Devine, the renowned Scottish historian, was scathing about Ms Grahame's proposal.
He said: "These awards have got their own historical origin and their own historical significance."
No-one from the Scottish Government was available for comment last night.
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