News Archive

1st April 2009:

New look and sound for East Lothian’s Flag Heritage Centre

The story of the Saltire is to be told in seven languages at the birthplace of Scotland’s national flag. A major upgrade of the Flag Heritage Centre in Athelstaneford now includes five foreign language options for visitors as well as English and Gaelic. £30,000 has been spent over the winter installing a new sound system and updating and overhauling the visual presentation.

The centre was established in 1997 based at a 16th century doocot behind Athelstaneford Parish Church to tell the story of the origins of the Saltire. Tradition has it that a white Saltire appeared against a blue sky, high above a battle fought near this spot in 832AD, and inspired the Scots to victory.

The convener of the organisation that runs the centre, David Williamson of the Scottish Flag Trust said: “The Flag Heritage Centre in Athelstaneford is one of East Lothian’s “hidden jewels”, and the Trustees are hopeful that this upgrade will help to attract many more visitors to the site, not only from overseas, but also from within the Lothians. Visits by schools will also be encouraged. The Trust is grateful to Viridor and to Tyne Esk LEADER for their support.” Top up funding was provided by East Lothian Council and the St Andrew’s Society.

The work took twelve weeks to complete and was carried out by the Edinburgh based firm of AVC, a division of Electrosonic Ltd. After 12 years of operation the old audio-visual system was beginning to show signs of wear. Other elements also required renewal, including the high-level screens within the doo’cot which are integral to the dramatic climax of the presentation.

Mr Williamson said: “The centre attracts visitors from all over the world and we wanted to be able to offer them the story of the Saltire in as many languages as possible. “So now in addition to English the story can be heard in Gaelic, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Polish.”

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