Scotland

Scotland
Country	United Kingdom
Adopted	15th century
Designed by	(unknown)
Proportions	3:5

The flag of Scotland consists of a blue background with a white saltire. The flag is also known as the St. Andrew's Cross.

The term saltire, meaning an X-shaped cross, comes from the Old French saultoir or salteur, derived from the Latin saltatorium, referring to a cross-shaped stile or stirrup cord. In heraldry, the Scottish flag is described as azure, a saltire argent, with the saltire appearing in either silver or white. The term azure designates blue but does not specify a particular shade.

History

The saltire, or diagonal cross, was originally used as a field sign in the medieval period, with no connection to Saint Andrew. The association between the saltire and the saint's legendary crucifixion may have emerged in Scotland in the late 14th century. In 1385, the Parliament of Scotland decreed that every Scottish and French soldier fighting against the English under Richard II should wear "a sign before and behind, namely a white St. Andrew's Cross."

At the Battle of Otterburn in 1388, James Douglas, 2nd Earl of Douglas, reportedly used a pennon featuring a saltire at the hoist. Similarly, the "Blue Blanket of the Trades of Edinburgh," reputedly made by Queen Margaret, wife of James III (1451–1488), displayed a white saltire in its canton. This flag, representing the Incorporated Trades of Edinburgh, remains a central element of the city's annual Riding of the Marches ceremony.

The white saltire on a blue background was first documented as a naval flag in 1507, used by the carrack Great Michael. Its earliest appearance as a heraldic flag is in 1542, depicted in the armorial of David Lyndsay. In this representation, the royal arms are supported by two unicorns, each bearing the saltire banner.

Addition to Union Jack

The Saltire is a central element of the Union Flag, which has evolved in various forms since its creation in 1606. The flag originated from the merging of the Flags of Scotland and England to signify the Union of the Crowns. This union occurred in 1603 when James VI of Scotland became the monarch of England and Ireland following the death of Elizabeth I.

The proclamation by King James, made on 12 April 1606, which led to the creation of the Union Flag, states:

By the King: Whereas, some differences hath arisen between Our subjects of South and North Britaine travelling by Seas, about the bearing of their Flagges: For the avoiding of all contentions hereafter. We have, with the advice of our Council, ordered: That from henceforth all our Subjects of this Isle and Kingdome of Great Britaine, and all our members thereof, shall beare in their main-toppe the Red Crosse, commonly called St. George's Crosse, and the White Crosse, commonly called St. Andrew's Crosse, joyned together according to the forme made by our heralds, and sent by Us to our Admerall to be published to our Subjects: and in their fore-toppe our Subjects of South Britaine shall weare the Red Crosse onely as they were wont, and our Subjects of North Britaine in their fore-toppe the White Crosse onely as they were accustomed. – 1606.

— Proclamation of James VI, King of Scots: Orders in Council – 12 April 1606.

The Union flag that was used in Scotland from 1606-1707. Following the Union between England and Scotland.

The Union flag that was used in England from 1606-1707. Following the Union between England and Scotland. It was made official in 1707.

Royal Banner of Scotland

The Royal Standard of Scotland, also called the Banner of the King of Scots or the Lion Rampant of Scotland, is the Scottish Royal Banner of Arms. Historically used by the King of Scots, it differs from Scotland's national flag, the Saltire, as its use is restricted by an Act of the Parliament of Scotland to certain Great Officers of State representing the Sovereign in Scotland. However, a 1934 Royal Warrant for George V’s silver jubilee, which permitted hand-held versions, remains a basis for its use by fans at sports events and public occasions. Officially, it is also displayed at Royal residences in Scotland when the Sovereign is not present.

References

Flags of the Celtic peoples
Brittany Cornwall Ireland Isle of Man Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Pan-Celtic