Welcome to the official website of the Scottish Flag Trust

The St Andrew’s Cross or Saltire is Scotland’s national flag. Tradition has it that the flag, the oldest in Europe and the Commonwealth, originated in a battle fought close to the East Lothian village of Athelstaneford in 832AD.

The Scottish Flag Trust was set up in 1984 by the St Andrew Society with a remit to endow the Saltire Memorial at Athelstaneford and to encourage the proper use of the national flag. The Trust’s responsibilities have since been extended to include the upkeep and promotion of the Flag Heritage Centre which lies to the rear of the Parish Church and opened in 1997. There is also a seating area with stunning views northwards towards the battle site. The inspiration behind the Trust came from the late Nigel Tranter and Dr Allan Macartney whose contribution is acknowledged at the viewpoint. Currently there are seven Trustees who meet quarterly in Athelstaneford Church.

Visit the Birthplace of Scotland's Flag. The Flag Heritage Centre, a 4-star visitor attraction, is open to the public daily from 09.00 until 18.00 from 1 April until 31 October and on 30 November - St Andrew's Day. Admission is FREE.

Correspondence should be addressed to The Scottish Flag Trust, PO Box 84, Edinburgh EH3 8LG, Scotland. Key contacts are the Trust Chairman David Williamson (Tel: 01368.863239) and the Trust Custodian Charlie Blair (Tel: 01620.880297). You can contact us by email at: flag@st-andrew.org.uk

News

25th March 2010

SALTIRE in the SKY PHOTOGRAPHIC
COMPETITION launched on 6 April 2010
The Competition is free to enter and open to everyone. The challenge for photographers is to try to capture on camera a dramatic image of a Saltire appearing in the skies above Scotland. Prize money of £500 is on offer, and the closing date is St Andrew's Day, 30 November 2010.
Full details on how to enter are set out below.

To Download a copy of this poster Click HERE

One example of a Saltire in the Sky can be seen by moving your cursor over the "Welcome to Athelstaneford" Image at the top of this page

Images can be submitted electronically as an email attachment, or by post as a hard copy.

Competition Rules and Entry Forms can be downloaded HERE .

To submit an entry electronically, carry out the following steps:
- Complete the Entry Form
- Attach image and completed Entry Form to email (Please name your Image so that it is easily cross referenced with the Entry Form)

Email submissions should be sent to saltireinthesky@st-andrew.org.uk

To submit an entry by post, carry out the following steps:-
- complete the entry form
- mount the photograph on stiff card (up to A4 size)
- send the entry form and mounted photograph to Saltire in the Sky, Scottish Flag Trust, PO Box 84, Edinburgh EH3 8LG.

How to Become a “Friend” of the Scottish Flag Trust

The Trust, which is a registered Scottish Charity (No: SC 002778), has limited resources, and is heavily dependent upon the generosity of a “Friends” of the Scottish Flag Trust network for funding to allow it to carry out its work..

“Friends” give their support by way of an annual subscription of £10 (minimum). In return, each “Friend” has his or her name added to the Book of the Saltire which is on display within the Heritage Centre, and receives an annual newsletter. Moreover, if “Friends” complete a Gift Aid Declaration, the Trust can reclaim approximately 28p for each pound spent from the Inland Revenue.

To become a “Friend”, you should download and complete the attached leaflet. Or alternatively write to the Treasurer, Malcolm Duncan, Scottish Flag Trust, PO Box 84, Edinburgh EH3 8LG, Scotland.