The Saltire

The story of Scotland's Flag

The Saltire is Scotland’s National Flag and the People’s Flag (The Lion Rampant is the Royal Banner). It is so-called because its cross resembles the simplest form of horse jump of crossed poles, and comes from the French, “sauteur”. However its origins are much older.

Athelstaneford

The village of Athelstaneford in East Lothian flies a Saltire with its explanation: it was during a battle there in 832 AD between the Picts and Scots against the invading Angles lead by Athelstan of Northumbria. The odds were against the defenders. Their King, Angus mac Fergus, High King of Alba (the ancient name for Scotland) prayed for victory. At that moment two clouds made the form of the cross on which Saint Andrew was crucified. Despite their smaller number, victory went to the Picts and Scots, and so, Saint Andrew was adopted as Scotland’s Patron Saint, and his cross as Scotland’s Flag, just as it was seen that day, a white Cross against a sky blue background.

The Battle of Roslin

471 years later the Saltire would deliver another Scots victory at the Battle of Roslin, 24th February 1303, when 8,000 Scots defeated a superior English army in three separate engagements. In the “Ballad of the Battle of Roslin”. the Scots were encouraged by the sight of a Saltire erected by Monks at the highest point is the Pentlands. On the Union of Crowns the first Union Flag combined the Flag of Set George and the Saltire. The sky blue of the Saltire was later replaced with the current Navy Blue, it is said, looking for a colour that would last better at sea. See also Parliament to set standard colour for Saltire

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