Flag of Scotland

"The Saltire" redirects here. For other uses, see Saltire.

Scotland
UseNational flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagSmall vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagReverse side is congruent with obverse side
Proportionvarious
DesignA blue field with a white saltire that extends to the corners of the flag. In Blazon, Azure, a saltire Argent.

The flag of Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: bratach na h-Alba;[1] Scots: Banner o Scotland, also known as St Andrew's Cross or the Saltire)[2] is the national flag of Scotland, which consists of a white saltire defacing a blue field. The Saltire, rather than the Royal Standard of Scotland, is the correct flag for all private individuals and corporate bodies to fly.[3] It is also, where possible, flown from Scottish Government buildings every day from 8:00 am until sunset, with certain exceptions.[4]

Use of the flag is first recorded with the illustration of a heraldic flag in Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount's Register of Scottish Arms, c. 1542.[5] It is possible that this is based on a precedent of the late 15th century, the use of a white saltire in the canton of a blue flag reputedly made by Queen Margaret, wife of James III (1451–1488).[6]

  1. ^ "Visit Athelstaneford. Birthplace of Scotland's Flag" (PDF). Scottish Flag Trust. n.d. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 12 March 2010.
  2. ^ Williams, Kevin; Walpole, Jennifer (3 June 2008). "The Union Flag and Flags of the United Kingdom" (PDF). SN/PC/04447. House of Commons Library. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 June 2009. Retrieved 10 February 2010. Gardiner, James. "Scotland's National Flag, the Saltire or St Andrews Cross". Scran. Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. Retrieved 9 December 2009.
  3. ^ "The Saltire". The Court of the Lord Lyon. Archived from the original on 25 April 2018. Retrieved 9 December 2009.
  4. ^ "Flag Flying Guidance". Issue No. 13 (Valid from January 2009). The Government of Scotland. 1 January 2009. Retrieved 9 December 2009.
  5. ^ National Library of Scotland (1542). "Plate from the Lindsay Armorial". Scran. Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. Retrieved 9 December 2009.
  6. ^ Bartram, Graham (2004). British Flags & Emblems. Tuckwell Press. p. 10. ISBN 1-86232-297-X. The blue background dates back to at least the 15th century. www.flaginstitute.org Archived 9 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine