Scotland’s Flag – the Saltire

                                   The Saltire

Scotland’s national flag is known as the Saltire or Saint Andrew’s Cross from Saint Andrew. He was one of the apostle’s who was crucified on that type of cross at Patras in Greece. St Andrew  later became the patron saint of Scotland as well as of other countries. The flag consists of a white cross on a blue background. Though other colours have occasionally been used throughout history in preference to blue and white.

                               The Battle of Athelstaneford

The flag was first adopted before a battle between the Pictish king Angus mac Fergus and the Northumbrians in 832 AD. Making it the oldest flag in Europe. Facing a much larger army near the modern village of Athelstaneford the Pictish king Angus mac Fergus saw a white saltire against a blue sky and vowed if he won a victory he would make Saint Andrew the patron saint  of Scotland. The battle being duly won King Angus kept his promise and Saint Andrew became the patron saint of Scotland.

                                        The First Use of the Colours

It is thought that first use of the blue flag with the white cross was in the reign of James III (1460-1488). A flag of the same type is recorded as having been flown on James Iv’s flag ship “the Great Michael”. Its use is first officially recorded  in the document the “Register of Scottish Arms” from 1542.  Here an illustration shows the royal arms supported by two unicorns each holding the St Andrew’s Cross.

Scottish History