Now the Corries’ folk tune commemorating Robert the Bruce’s victory over King Edward II at Bannockburn could soon be challenged for its title of Scotland’s leading unofficial national anthem.

Composer Edward Cairney hopes his new Pop Idol-style campaign could see one of his creations become the country’s official national anthem.

He has written 13 new songs for the public to vote for their favourite tune through a website.

Mr Cairney, who lives in Arbroath, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1320, has devised a voting system to establish a favourite among the Scottish public.

He said: “Scotland has more than one national anthem. When the Scottish football and rugby teams play international matches, Flower of Scotland is played.

“When a Scottish athlete wins a gold medal at an international event, they play Scotland the Brave. And there’s another four or five realistic contenders all vying to be the official national anthem of Scotland.”

The Corries’ hit was first sung at Scotland football matches in 1993 but SFA chief George Peat described it as “a dirge” last year. After Peat’s outburst, musician-turned-politician Pete Wishart said Scotland should run an X-Factor-style TV show to pick a national anthem.

Mr Cairney’s Scots songs can be found at the website www.scottishanthem.co.uk