CLYDEBANK band The Ronains have been given the green light to cover their latest track Flower of Scotland from The Corries, who made the song famous in 1967.

The song was composed by writer Roy Williamson and Corries singer Ronnie Browne who recently granted permission for the Clydebank band to use the song, which was released last week.

Singer Jim Reid said: “It was a real buzz to get the go ahead from Ronnie as the song means so much to us.”

The band also received a touching message of encouragement from Peaky Blinders and Guardians of The Galaxy actor, Tommy Flanagan.

Tommy, who also played an alcoholic with mental health issues in hit crime drama Sons of Anarchy, has been following the Clydebank band for the past year and has championed their work.

The Braveheart actor sent bass player Jim, singer Debi, drummer Linzi and guitarist LP a message of support after they let him hear their new single.

Tommy, who has been filming the new series of Peaky Blinders in Chicago, sent the band a message after guitarist Jim told him he was finding the music business difficult during lockdown.

Tommy wrote: “Life’s highs will be overshadowed by the sometimes overwhelming lows. But the clock keeps ticking.

“If what you’re doing brings you love and joy end of, you win.

“Do not give up.You guys got tons of talent.”

Bass player Jim added: “Tommy is one of my favourite actors and I’ve watched him in everything.

“It’s a deep message he sent us. I’d told Tommy that I was finding lockdown hard as a musician and he wrote this incredible letter of encouragement.”

The band have been playing their version of Flower of Scotland at live gigs for a while, but decided to record and release it to reflect the recent achievement in Scottish sport.

Jim said: “We recorded a powerful, rocky version of Flower of Scotland because we wanted to celebrate the success of the national football team and reaching the World Cup qualifiers for the first time in 26 years.

“We are proud of our Scottish roots and this song means everything to us.”

Singer Debi added: “It’s quite terrifying taking on such a huge, iconic song, but if you don’t reach for the sky, you’ll never be amongst the stars.”