News
Minister visits Heritage
Centre
To commemorate St Andrew's Day
the Scottish Minister for Culture, Linda Fabiani, visited the
Athelstaneford Heritage Centre on Friday 30th November. As well
as celebrating St Anderw's Day with local school children, the
visit was to mark the decision by East Lothian Council to fly
the Saltire from all public buildings.The decision was made in
recognition of the fact that the birthplace of the Saltire lies
within East Lothian.
Saltires to Cross the Atlantic
THE SCOTTISH FLAG TRUST JOINS FORCES WITH THE CLAN CAMPBELL SOCIETY
TO PROMOTE ATHELSTANEFORD-FLOWN SALTIRES IN NORTH AMERICA
Visual: Trust Custodian Charlie Blair prepares to hoist another
flag next to the Saltire Memorial in Athelstaneford.
Highlighted Quotation: “We know from the Athelstaneford
visitors book that American visitors of Scottish descent are enthralled
to learn of the historic origins of the Saltire”.
The Scottish Flag Trust, which was established by the St Andrew
Society in 1984, has recently announced the launch of a joint flag
initiative with the Clan Campbell Society of North America (CCSNA).
There are a great number of Scottish Societies in North America,
such as CCSNA, whose many thousands of members take enormous pride
in their Scottish heritage. This is especially manifested at the
well established Highland Games circuit across the continent, which
allows members of these Societies to participate each summer in
traditional Scottish events, and to parade with pipe bands and
fly the St Andrew’s Cross.
National flags are of course held in high regard in North America,
with for example the Stars and Stripes widely flown in all US public
buildings and schools, and flags that have been specifically flown
at the Capitol in Washington are particularly sought after by patriotic
Americans.
In 2006, CCSNA approached the Flag Trust to explore the possibilities
of similarly promoting in North America Saltires that had been
flown at Athelstaneford – birthplace of Scotland’s
national flag. This proposal was welcomed by the Trust and the
Society.
The first batch of 20 Athelstaneford-flown Saltires was dispatched
to the US to arrive in time for Tartan Day – 6 April 2007 – which
commemorates the Declaration of Arbroath. Each of the flags had
been hoisted and flown briefly at the main flagpole attached to
the Saltire Memorial in Athelstaneford Churchyard at the end of
March, and had a special logo sewn onto the flag’s hoist.
There was also a signed certificate confirming the date on which
the flag had been flown. The Saltires are to the proper dimensions
of 5ft x 4ft as endorsed in the Scottish Flag Code, as this is
considered to be the authentic size, compared to the 6ft x 3ft
size which derives from naval use.
Trust Chairman David Williamson said “We know from the Flag
Heritage Centre visitors book that Athelstaneford is much visited
each year by Americans and Canadians of Scottish descent, and the
entries indicate how enthralled they are to learn of the historic
origins of the Saltire. We are delighted therefore to work with
CCSNA on this joint promotion, as it allows the Trust to further
raise the profile of Scotland and its national flag in North America”.
Anyone interested in an Athelstaneford-flown Saltire should contact
the Scottish Flag Trust, PO Box 84, Edinburgh EH3 8LG.
Friends of the Scottish Flag Trust
Responsibility for the upkeep and operational
costs of the Heritage Centre and the Saltire Memorial lies
with the Scottish Flag Trust, a registered charity. The
inspiration behind the Trust came from the late Nigel Tranter
and Dr Allan Macartney, whose contribution is acknowledged
in a new seating area formed next to the Centre. This enjoys
stunning views over the East Lothian countryside towards
the historic battle site.
The Trust encourages primary school visits
to Athelstaneford, and education packs can be made available
for the children at no charge (these are available electronically
- see above). Teachers should contact the Trust Custodian,
Charlie Blair on 01620.880.297 to make arrangements.
To enable funds to be raised for this
purpose, a 'Friends of the Scottish Flag Trust' organisation
has been established. 'Friends' give their support for
the work of the Trust by way of an annual subscription
of £10 (minimum), and in return receive a newsletter, and
have their names added to the richly decorated Book of
the Saltire which is on display within Athelstaneford Church.
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Subscriptions should be sent to:
Malcolm Duncan
Treasurer
The Scottish Flag Trust
P.O. Box 84
Edinburgh
Scotland
Alternatively, please contact
flag@st-andrew.org.uk
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