Across the barriers that divide people there is the hope that drives men on: the hope of better living, of better understanding, of peace and international friendship. For all these things the Commonwealth ideal of 'the brotherhood of man', offers a good starting point. That is the message of 'the little green flags' played by Pipe Major Angus MacDonald MBE at Edinburgh Castle. The inclusion of African voices led by John Mwesa, the tabla and sarod of India played by Kamal Kant Sharma and Promod Shanker (compiled by courtesy of the BBC Radio Scotland) add significantly to the message, emphasising the words of Prince Philip at the inauguration of The Green Pennant Awards.

Little green flags 'cross barriers of class,

Colour and creed, of wealth and of caste.

Little green flags let everyone know,

Symbols of peace wherever you go.

Little green flags on ships or on 'planes,

On long dusty roads, on buses and trains.

Little green flags ever onward until

The long journey ends on memory’s hill.

Little green flags for the best things in life,

An end to our fears, an end to our strife.

Little green flags for the old and the young,

The lonely, the poor, for everyone.

Little green flags for twenty long years,

The sign of our laughter, our joy & our tears.

Little green flags like a light shining bright,

A lighthouse beam on a dark stormy night.

Little green flags on ships or on planes,

On long dusty roads, on buses and trains.

Little green flags ever onward until

The long journey ends on memory’s hill.