A competition to design a unique flag for East Lothian was launched in November 2017, initiated by a partnership including the Scottish Flag Trust, East Lothian Council, and the Lord Lyon.
The competition captured the imagination of individuals and communities across the county, as well as by some further afield, and no fewer than 623 entries were received. A judging panel sifted through the huge number of designs, and a short list of four of the best designs went forward to a public vote held over the summer of 2018. Over 1,500 votes were cast, again indicative of the strong local interest.
At the official launch held on 13 December 2018, the winning flag design, by Archie Martin, was unveiled. The simple but eye-catching design had attracted a clear majority of votes cast, and was deemed to be a worthy winner. The hope, expressed by Provost John McMillan, is that the civic flag will become a strong symbol of East Lothian for years to come.
The blue field of the winning design is strongly based on a Saltire or St Andrew’s Cross, to mark East Lothian’s status as the birthplace of the national flag. In the centre is a lion, reflecting the county’s coat of arms and the association of Scottish King William the Lion with Haddington. The colour gold in the cross signifies the wealth of East Lothian’s farmland and reputation as the granary of Scotland, while the thin blue stripes represent the rivers Tyne and Esk.
The flag design has been registered with the Lord Lyon, and is available on the Trust’s website for anyone interested in East Lothian to view and use.
Download PDF: East Lothian Flag