Saltire - Scottish Flag

History and Legend

Tradition has it that during the ninth century, near the village of Athelstaneford in what is now East Lothian, a battle was fought which led to the adoption of the Saltire as Scotland's national flag. A joint army of Picts and Scots under the High King of Alba, Angus mac Fergus, was invading Lothian which at that time was still Northumbrian territory. Angus's force was surrounded by a larger army of Angles and Saxons and the prospect of defeat was very real. However, on the night before the battle, Angus dreamt that he saw a great cross in the sky and that in its name, he would triumph in the coming struggle. The following morning, as Angus faced the rising sun, he and his men were dazzled by a Saltire Cross in its rays and inspired by what they had witnessed, Angus' army went on the defeat the Saxons. From this time on, St Andrew and his cross, the Saltire, increasingly became adopted as symbols of the emerging country of Scotland.

National Symbol

Divinely inspired or not, records show the Saltire in regular use by the 14th century, although not always against a blue background. In fact, it wasn't until the 16th century that the plain white saltire on a blue field became established. Throughout the 17th century, the Saltire continued to be used as a national symbol, particularly by the army and navy and even following its incorporation into the first Union flag in 1606 after the union of the crowns. After the Union of the Parliaments in 1707, however, the widespread use of the Saltire declined and it wasn't until the later 20th century that there was a major resurgence in its use. It has now regained its status as the legally established national flag of Scotland, used by all Scottish teams in international competitions and widely flown on the flagstaffs of public buildings, sometimes alone and sometimes side by side with the Union Flag. The Saltire is also used by many bodies, both private and public, as a logo since its simplicity of design makes it ideally suited for use as a brand.

The Official 'Saltire Blue'

In 2003, Scotland's politicians nailed their colours to the mast and specified the precise shade of blue to be used on the Saltire. Henceforth, the white St Andrew's Cross should appear on an azure background known as Pantone 300 in the international colour coding system. The MSP's recommendation, however, carries no power of enforement and it is likely that Saltires will continue to fly in a variety of shades.

The Saltire Memorial

In 1997, a heritage centre was opened in a restored dovecot next to Athelstaneford Church, and visitors are now able to learn much more about Scotland's flag and to enjoy a short audio visual dramatisation of its origins. The Centre is open from 10am till 5pm each day from April till September, and admission is free. The public are also encouraged to visit the Saltire Memorial which was erected in 1965. A Saltire is flown permanently at the Memorial, even during the hours of darkness when it is floodlit.