There are many reasons to take pride in Scotland’s national flag. The St Andrew’s Cross or Saltire is the oldest flag in Europe and directly associated with Scotland’s patron saint. Its distinctive design, a white cross on a blue field, is universally recognised. Moreover, it is the flag of the people – as confirmed by Sir Thomas Innes of Learney, former Lord Lyon King of Arms:- “The Cross of St Andrew is the flag which any Scotsman (or woman) is entitled to fly or wear as evidence of his (or her) national identity or patriotism”.
What is especially significant is that, in Athelstaneford, we have the actual birthplace of Scotland’s flag. This historic site, incorporating the Saltire Memorial within the village churchyard and Heritage Centre close by, has been maintained since 1984 by a charity, the Scottish Flag Trust, founded by the late Dr Alan Macartney. Today, however, we find that the structures and access to them are deteriorating and badly in need of investment and upgrading.
The Trustees, and our patron, believe the birthplace of the national flag should be cherished by Scots everywhere, at home or abroad. Any help you can give will be greatly welcomed.
Many thanks.
Professor Emeritus Sir Tom Devine, Patron of the Trust:
Sir Tom Devine is Scotland’s most celebrated historian, he was knighted in 2014 for services to the study of Scottish history and he is the only historian to have been awarded the Royal Gold Medal, Scotland's supreme academic accolade, by HM Queen Elizabeth II, on the recommendation of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.