As Scotland prepares for Euros fever, a new documentary has revealed the full story of the infamous ‘Bannockburn Four’ who made news before our last finals appearance.
In the build-up to the 1998 World Cup in France, the mystery quartet scaled the tallest flagpole in Scotland to pinch the giant Saltire from the site, before taking it on a two-week trip around the country.
The mischievous Tartan Army foot soldiers replaced the giant flag with a matted blanket in its absence, along with a note informing that the flag was on its way for a French adventure.
The identities of the men - which have been a closely-guarded secret - have finally been revealed on BBC show Mr Brown’s Boys, which celebrates Scotland’s 1998 campaign ahead of resuming our tournament history for the first time in 23 years on Monday.
The documentary - which aired on BBC One last night - was the brainchild of journalist Kevin Ferrie, who had the initial idea for the documentary and has worked with several local sources - including Stirling Observer deputy editor Donald Morton - in tracking down the men.
Kevin - who has worked as a sports writer for more than four decades - told the Observer: “The film as a whole is designed as a bit of a nostalgia-fest to our last time at a major finals which marked the end of the era when Scotland routinely qualified for tournaments.
“It came about because I was doing a course at Stirling University on documentary making and part of the challenges was coming up with ideas for television.
“I had always felt the manager at the time, Craig Brown, never received the recognition he deserved as manager and the name ended up working quite well and after a pitching session, a production company called Tern TV decided to take it on. We didn’t really start working on it until about two months ago when the BBC decided they wanted material for the build-up to the Euros and it’s great that something like this has managed to all come together for my first TV project.”
The film features interviews from key stars of Scotland’s 1998 World Cup journey, including players Colin Hendry, Craig Burley and John Collins - as well as insights from ex-manager Brown.
But it also gives a flavour of the fan experience around the tournament, including a special insight into the story around the Bannockburn Four.
Kevin added: “One of the best segments of the whole film is on the Bannockburn Four who have until now kept their identities under wraps.
“They ‘borrowed’ the Saltire from Bannockburn Heritage Centre to bring to France as a good luck emblem and took it all over the country during the World Cup, leaving behind a message saying the flag was on its holidays and would be back in two weeks.
“And to their credit, they did bring it back - albeit it was a bit more beer-stained!
“They feature prominently in the film and I wouldn’t have been able to get this story without the help of others including Donald and local musician Ted Christopher, who helped me with where to look for the notorious four.
“It’s so exciting finally being back at a tournament and it’s just lovely to play a part in it all.”
