Scottish Flag | A Historical Journey Through Scotland's Identity

The legend Of The Scottish Flag!

There is no better symbol of Scottish pride and spirit than the Scottish flag. It is also known in the form of St Andrews Cross as well as the Saltire. The symbols on this flag are very simple, but they have many stories and legends explaining their origins, making them one of the oldest flags in Europe.
If you’re interested in learning more about the mythology that lies behind the st patrick’s saltire, Continue reading!

The Origin Of The Saltire!

When Saint Andrew was among the Apostles was executed in the hands of Romans during A.D. 60, it is believed that he believed he was unworthy to be executed on a cross similar to Christ’s. Christ which is why the cross he was on ended up being an ‘saltire’ or the X-shaped crosses (St. Andrew’s Cross) that was his symbol.
Two distinct legends help clarify the connection of saint Andrew along with Scotland. One legend relates the story of how the legend goes that in A.D. 345 Saint Regulus was commanded by an angelic voice to transport the Relics (bones) from Saint Andrew and take them to some faraway place. He ultimately reached Fife located on the northeast coast of Scotland which is where he established the town that was named St. Andrews. Another version of the story relates how, in the 7th century saint Wilfrid brought his saint’s relics with him home after a trip to Rome. The Pictish King, Angus MacFergus, subsequently placed them in the site of his new church in the name of Saint Regulus at Kilrymont, later changed to St. Andrews.
Another legend connects the establishment of the Saint Andrew’s Cross as Scotland’s flag of nationality

It is a story of the time in 832 just before an upcoming battle between a Picts as well as a Scots army as well as an army of Angels headed by the King Aethelstan in East Anglia, Saint Andrew appeared before the Pictish King, Oengus II (Angus) and reassured that he would win. In the morning, a swarm of clouds formed against the background of a blue sky, displaying an white saltire visible from both sides. The omen prompted those Picts along with the Scots to achieve a renowned victory against their enemies, the Angles of King Aethelstan and the white cross against this blue backdrop was adopted to be the flag of the nation of Scotland.
The Declaration of Arbroath officially proclaimed Saint Andrew the patron saint of Scotland after Robert Bruce won the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The saltire was believed to have been adopted as the flag of Scotland’s official status in 1385, when it was decided by the Parliament of Scotland decided in 1385 that Scottish soldiers should be wearing the white cross as a distinctive symbol. Scottish flags and banners were used to differentiate opposing troops in the midst of battle.

Origin Of Lion Rampant!

Not content with just one flag, Scotland also has an additional flag, which is not official. The Scottish flag is typically seen all over the world during the time national teams compete and is often referred to by the name of Lion Rampant. It is an official Royal Standard of the King or Queen of Scots and remains the official banner of the monarch as the case is, its use is strictly speaking, limited.

It is believed that King Richard I of England “the Lion-Heart” towards the end of the 12th century when he initially introduced the Heraldry symbol depicting a rampant lion King of Beasts rising with three clawed paws spread out like a warrior. The scotland rampant lion flag was eventually adopted as the Scottish royal coat of arms, and later incorporated into the Great Seal of Scotland.

This flag known as Lion Rampant, officially designated as the Royal Standard of the King or Queen of Scots, holds historical significance and is limited in its usage. just like that, Ireland possesses its own distinctive flag called the Irish tricolor. this Irish Flag is Comprised of three vertical stripes representing unity, peace, and Irish identity, the Irish flag holds cultural and historical importance. It is prominently displayed during national holidays and events celebrating Irish heritage worldwide.

The Design:

This has led to having the same design used for Scotland’s official Scottish Standard flag for more than 500 years. The proportions of the flag’s design are typically in the ratio of 3:5 and white bars that measure 1/5th of the length of the flag.
The flag’s background has no specific colour of blue, and frequently differs. Sky blue pale blue, sky blue, and navy blue are typically depicted, dependent on the material and dyes. In the context of the Union Jack, however, it is often the same navy employed.
The year 2003 saw a commission being convened to be held by the Scottish parliament to decide on one colour that was a standard. The colour was voted to be set at Pantone 300, which was controversially not the exact hue as blue used within the union Jack. The agreement on a single colour made it simpler for retailers and manufacturers to maintain consistency with the flag.

THE SCOTTISH FLAG | LION RAMPANT

The Blue and White Saltire flag is officially the Scottish national flag The Lion Rampant is a common alternative.
The rampant lion flag contains a bright and striking design, featuring an orange background, red borders, and an obscene red Lion. The design was created to honour King Richard and his Scottish Coat of Arms featuring in the flag. The design is adorned with significant symbolic meaning.
Also known as the Royal Banner of Scotland, the Royals of Scotland traditionally used this flag during the time. Since there wasn’t a Scottish Monarchy since the 17th Century the flag was handed over for official use for the queen of England and she uses it during royal visitations and in the use of symbols within Scotland.

It is, however, officially prohibited for anyone who doesn’t belong to a royal family to fly this flag, and that’s why it’s not as widely acknowledged. But, the law was enacted by the Parliament at the time of 1600. So, the law is not enforced as the Scottish flag can be frequently traded and displayed in Scotland.