Welcome to the official website of the Scottish Flag Trust

The St Andrew’s Cross or Saltire is Scotland’s national flag. Tradition has it that the flag, the oldest in Europe and the Commonwealth, originated in a battle fought close to the East Lothian village of Athelstaneford in 832AD.

The Scottish Flag Trust was set up in 1984 by the St Andrew Society with a remit to endow the Saltire Memorial at Athelstaneford and to encourage the proper use of the national flag. The Trust’s responsibilities have since been extended to include the upkeep and promotion of the Flag Heritage Centre which lies to the rear of the Parish Church and opened in 1997. There is also a seating area with stunning views northwards towards the battle site. The inspiration behind the Trust came from the late Nigel Tranter and Dr Allan Macartney whose contribution is acknowledged at the viewpoint. Currently there are seven Trustees who meet quarterly in Athelstaneford Church.

Visit the Birthplace of Scotland's Flag. The Flag Heritage Centre, a 4-star visitor attraction, is open to the public daily from 09.00 until 18.00 from 1 April until 31 October and on 30 November - St Andrew's Day. Admission is FREE.

Correspondence should be addressed to The Scottish Flag Trust, PO Box 84, Edinburgh EH3 8LG, Scotland. Key contacts are the Trust Chairman David Williamson (Tel: 01368.863239) and the Trust Custodian Charlie Blair (Tel: 01620.880297). You can contact us by email at: flag@st-andrew.org.uk

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

How to Become a “Friend” of the Scottish Flag Trust

The Trust, which is a registered Scottish Charity (No: SC 002778), has limited resources, and is heavily dependent upon the generosity of a “Friends” of the Scottish Flag Trust network for funding to allow it to carry out its work..

“Friends” give their support by way of an annual subscription of £10 (minimum). In return, each “Friend” has his or her name added to the Book of the Saltire which is on display within the Heritage Centre, and receives an annual newsletter. Moreover, if “Friends” complete a Gift Aid Declaration, the Trust can reclaim approximately 28p for each pound spent from the Inland Revenue.

To become a “Friend”, you should download and complete the attached leaflet. Or alternatively write to the Treasurer, Malcolm Duncan, Scottish Flag Trust, PO Box 84, Edinburgh EH3 8LG, Scotland.