So, who will be composing the World Cup anthem for Scotland?

      The moment has finally arrived, and the wait is behind us. Scotland hasn't participated in the World Cup since 1998, marking nearly a 30-year absence from the pinnacle of men's football. But now, it’s all done and dusted. A mere four goals – three of which could easily be highlights of any match, past or present – secured a victory over Denmark, earning them a place in next year’s tournament.

      One question lingers, though: who will compose Scotland’s World Cup song?

      With Scottish sports – aside from a certain Andy Murray – seemingly struggling over the last three decades, it has been musicians who have lifted the country's spirits, achieving remarkable successes along the way. There are numerous potential candidates, from revitalized veterans to captivating newcomers.

      The past doesn't necessarily help us find the answer either. Scotland's ill-fated campaign in 1978 may have vowed to "shake them up," but while the single was catchy, that particular record is burdened with unpleasant memories. Del Amitri’s notably melancholic anthem from 1996 left a mark on many a Scottish childhood, with its sorrowful refrain – "don't come home too soon" – proving painfully accurate as the team once again got eliminated in the group stages.

      Consecutive qualifications for the European championships have strengthened the squad, allowing Scotland’s men to now look towards the World Cup – the genuine, real World Cup – and feel that they truly belong.

      No one should be left out – everyone who wishes to attend should have the opportunity to travel. For the official song, this gives rise to one solution: Scottish Band Aid.

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      Indeed, we're declaring it now – a multi-artist extravaganza, featuring every single Scottish musician we can enlist. Activate Paolo Nutini. Track down Susan Boyle. Call Sharleen Spiteri. Arrange a cab for Lewis Capaldi. Bring in Biffy Clyro. Secure Emeli Sandé. Request Mogwai for a brief noise rock guitar solo. Get Belle & Sebastian on the phone – it’s going to be a lengthy night.

      Let’s remember, Band Aid – for all its flaws – was co-written by a Scot, so Midge Ure can drop by the studio for guidance. We can paint saltires on the tambourines and dress the seven-inch vinyl in a sleeve resembling a Tunnock’s tea cake wrapper. This isn’t a time for Scottish embarrassment – we either commit fully, or we don’t participate at all.

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      Regarding the song itself, there’s really only one fitting option: a multi-artist rendition of The Proclaimers’ anthemic ‘Letter From America,’ with the twins contributing to new lyrics. As lifelong football fans – devoted Hibbees, in fact – they would be more than willing to assist their country in its moment of musical necessity.

      Are we fantasizing…? Is this all a bit excessive…? Not in the least. This is the moment to rejoice – just as the Manic Street Preachers provided an amazing anthem when Wales broke their tournament drought. And even though it has become annoyingly overplayed, ‘Three Lions’ is – I might regret saying this, but it’s true – a decent pop song.

      So here we find ourselves: Scotland can now look forward, with the best in music ready to support them. And it all required 30 years, a bicycle kick, an ambitious long-range attempt, and a last-minute strike over the goalkeeper’s head from the halfway line. Scotland, eh? Wha’s like us.

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      Words: Robin Murray

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