This is the official website of the Scottish Flag Trust. The Trust was established in 1984 by the Saint Andrew Society in order to repair and maintain the Flag Memorial at Athelstaneford. The Trust was so successful that it now runs the Heritage Centre at Athelstaneford - the Birthplace of the Scottish Flag. Contact us at flag@st-andrew.org.uk

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.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Athelstaneford

Birthplace of the Scottish Flag

© Scottish Flag Trust 2007