Flag of Scotland

Flag of Scotland. The national flag of Scotland, known as the Saltire or Saint Andrew's Cross, is one of the oldest national flags still in modern use. It consists of a white saltire (a diagonal cross) on a blue field, representing the crucifixion of the apostle Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. Its iconic design is deeply embedded in Scottish national identity and is used officially by the Scottish Government and displayed widely across the nation.

History

The legendary origin of the flag dates to a 9th-century battle, where King Óengus II of the Picts (or Angus II) saw a white saltire in the sky before a victory against the Anglo-Saxons under Æthelstan of England. The earliest recorded use of the saltire as a national emblem appears in Scottish heraldry during the 13th and 14th centuries, notably on the seal of the Guardians of Scotland during the Wars of Scottish Independence. It was flown by Scottish forces at the Battle of Flodden in 1513 and was formally integrated into the regalia of the Kingdom of Scotland. Following the Union of the Crowns in 1603 and the subsequent Acts of Union 1707, the saltire was combined with the flag of England and the flag of Ireland to form the Union Flag.

Design and specifications

The flag's design is blazoned in heraldic terms as Azure, a saltire Argent. The specific shades of blue have varied historically, but the Scottish Government's Lord Lyon King of Arms now recommends the shade Pantone 300. The flag's proportions are not fixed by statute but are typically 3:5 or 2:3, with the width of the arms of the cross being one-fifth the flag's height. Official guidance states the saltire should have arms of equal width, extending to the edges of the flag. This design is distinct from other saltire-based flags, such as the flag of Jamaica or the flag of Alabama.

Symbolism and cultural significance

The saltire directly symbolizes the martyrdom of Saint Andrew, who, according to tradition, was crucified on a diagonal cross. As Scotland's patron saint, his symbol became a national emblem of protection and identity. The flag is a potent symbol of Scottish independence and nationalism, prominently displayed by political parties like the Scottish National Party and at events such as the Scottish Parliament opening and international sporting fixtures like the Six Nations Championship. It is central to celebrations on Saint Andrew's Day and during the Edinburgh Festival. Its imagery is incorporated into logos for organizations like Police Scotland and Scottish Rugby.

Protocol and use

The flag is flown daily on Scottish Government buildings, including St Andrew's House in Edinburgh, and is mandated on all courthouses under the jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service. Guidance from the Lord Lyon King of Arms advises that it should be flown correctly, with the white arms running diagonally from corner to corner. When flown alongside the Union Flag, the Saltire should be of equal size and preferably on a separate flagpole of equal height. It is commonly seen at cultural events, on private residences, and at sites of historical importance like Stirling Castle and the Bannockburn memorial.

Related flags

The most direct derivative is the Union Flag, which incorporates the Scottish saltire combined with the crosses of Saint George and Saint Patrick. Several other flags feature the saltire, including the maritime flag of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Scotland and the former flag of Nova Scotia. The Royal Standard of Scotland, used historically by the Monarch of Scotland and now by the Duke of Rothesay, features the lion rampant on a yellow field, distinct from the saltire. Various Scottish counties, cities like Dundee, and institutions such as the University of St Andrews also incorporate saltire motifs into their own heraldic banners.

Category:National flags Category:Scottish national symbols Category:Saint Andrew