There was fury at Holyrood when union flags were removed from the canteen after protests from Nationalists.
The miniature flags had initially been put out as table decorations on Thursday as part of an Olympic Games-inspired barbecue to mark the last day of parliamentary business before the summer recess.
They formed the centrepiece of decorations which also included red, white and blue balloons and cut-out Olympic torches on the walls.
However, the use of the union flags upset some SNP MSPs, who want to see Scotland become independent of the United Kingdom, and led to a confrontation with the canteen manager.
Former arts minister Linda Fabiani and Paisley MSP George Adam waved the flags and told him: ”These are not Scottish.”
The exchange was witnessed by Tory MSP Mary Scanlon, who confronted the pair and urged the catering boss: ”Just ignore these Nationalists.”
Within minutes of the altercation, staff returned to the canteen and removed the flags.
One said: ”We’ve had complaints. It’s all for this independence nonsense. It’s not all Rule Brittania and God Save the Queen it’s meant to be about the Olympics and Team GB but it’s just not worth the hassle.”
Other colours of balloons were also added to the display so it was not just red, white and blue.
Highlands and Islands MSP Ms Scanlon said: ”They were really giving him a hard time. I am outraged at the Nationalists giving parliament staff such a tough time for supporting Team GB in the Olympics after Alex Salmond used public money to hand out saltires when the Olympic flame came through Edinburgh.
”This is the worst side of nationalism. This is the side of nationalism they don’t want you to see. This is the side of nationalism that’s not about love of your country but hatred for others the unacceptable side of nationalism.”
Scottish Conservative party leader Ruth Davidson said the incident showed the ”petty” side of Scottish nationalism.
An SNP spokeswoman said: ”No SNP MSP asked for any flags to be taken down or removed. All decisions on decorating the canteen are a matter for canteen staff.”
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Parliament said staff had decided the balloons were sufficient and flags were not needed.
There was a row over flags earlier this month when the Scottish Government used public money to hand out saltire flags for the Olympic torch celebrations.