News
August 2011

Athelstaneford Posters unveiled
at Drem Station
East Lothian Provost Sheena Richardson, on behalf of the Scottish
Flag Trust, today unveiled a set of colourful posters within the
restored eastbound waiting room at Drem Station.
The posters promote Athelstaneford, the birthplace of Scotland's
flag, which lies only 2 miles to the south of the Station. Provost
Sheena Richardson said “Athelstaneford is one of East Lothian's
hidden gems, and the Trust is always looking for ways to raise
awareness of the Flag Heritage Centre and to encourage more people
to visit. These eye-catching posters are likely to generate considerable
interest among regular train-users”.
ScotRail's Public Affairs Manager, John Yellowlees, is equally
delighted at the initiative. The eastbound waiting room dates from
1846, and as such is probably the oldest in Scotland. The building,
which is listed, has just been restored for public use after many
years locked up, and the posters will enhance and brighten the
interior. The posters have also been introduced into the west-bound
waiting room.
John Yellowlees commented “New Class 380 trains were introduced
on the Edinburgh – North Berwick route on 11 June this year,
and these trains now operate on all routes in East Lothian. The
trains carry the new ScotRail livery based on a striking Saltire
design, while stations such as Drem have also had Saltire-branded
signs installed. There is therefore a linkage between ScotRail's
new Saltire branding, and the birthplace of the Saltire located
nearby”.
Flag Trust Chairman, David Williamson, expressed his thanks to
ScotRail and their staff, and also to graphic artist Scott Ballantyne
who designed the posters. Who knows, in 50 years time these may
be collectors' items!
11th January 2011
Saltire in the Sky Photographic Competition
2010 – Winners
Announced
The Scottish Flag Trust is delighted to report the success of
its 2010 Saltire in the Sky Photographic Competition.
Tradition has it that Scotland's national flag – the St
Andrew's Cross or Saltire – was adopted following a battle
fought in 832AD near Athelstaneford in which a white cross appeared
against a blue sky above the fighting and inspired the Scots to
victory.
The Competition challenged photographer to bring the 9th century
origins of Scotland's flag into a 21st century context by capturing
a dramatic modern-day image of a Saltire appearing in our skies.
The Trust was thrilled that photographers responded so enthusiastically,
and a total of 231 entries were submitted from all parts of Scotland
by the closing date of St Andrew's Day.
The panel of judges, comprising East Lothian Provost Sheena Richardson,
Athelstaneford Minister Joanne Evans-Boiten and distinguished Scottish
Press Photographer Ian Torrance MBE, met just before Christmas
to consider the entries. It proved a difficult task, such was the
quality of the images, but eventually winners were selected and
these will share the prize money of £500.
The overall winner, who will receive £250, was James
Gordon of Galashiels for his atmospheric photograph of a Saltire over
Loch Moidart in Ardnamurchan.
The winner of the East Lothian Section was Victor Beaumont
of Monk's Muir for his image of a Saltire looking west towards Athelstaneford.
The winner of the Rest of Scotland Section was Bill McKenzie
of Sauchie for his image of a Saltire over Crail Harbour.
The winner of the Under 16 Section was Anna Devine (15)
of Longniddry for her photograph of a Saltire over Prestonpans.
Trust Chairman, David Williamson, expressed his thanks to everyone
who had participated, and confirmed that an Exhibition of around
50 of the best entries, including the winners, will tour the main
Libraries in the county for 8 weeks from late February until April.
He explained “This will be an extremely colourful display
of photographs, showing Saltires in the sky which are of different
shapes and sizes and cloud conditions, many of them taken in spectacular
landscape settings across Scotland”.
The Exhibition dates are as follows:-
• Friday 25 February – Wednesday 9 March: PRESTONPANS
LIBRARY
•
Friday 11 March – Wednesday 23 March: HADDINGTON LIBRARY
•
Friday 25 March – Wednesday 6 April: MUSSELBURGH LIBRARY
•
Friday 8 April – Thursday 22 April: DUNBAR LIBRARY
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