HRH The Princess Royal becomes patron of the Saltire Appeal

HRH The Princess Royal is to be patron of the Saltire Appeal.

Both civic and faith leaders united in a celebration of St Andrew’s Day at Athestaneford on Sunday. The East Lothian village is regarded as the birthplace of the national flag, the Saltire. A new appeal has been launched to create a monument in the village to Scotland’s national flag.

First Minister, John Swinney, said: “The launch comes exactly 60 years to the day of the unveiling of the national memorial at birthplace of the flag in the East Lothian village of Athelstaneford. Sadly, the existing memorial is now in serious structural decline. An urgent appeal has been launched to replace it with a new, dignified and lasting monument worthy of Scotland’s national flag; one of the oldest flags in Europe. 

“Scotland’s medieval chroniclers write of a battle in 832AD, where army of Picts and Scots battle a larger Northumbrian force. Fearing defeat King Angus mac Fergus prayed for deliverance and was rewarded with the miraculous vision of a white cross against the blue sky which spurred his army to victory. 

“Mirroring the original appeal in the 1960s an open letter backing the project and affirming that Scotland’s Saltire is a welcoming banner for everyone, has been signed by prominent civic and faith leaders representing Scotland’s political parties and faiths.”

Trust Convener David Williamson said:  “We are most grateful to HRH The Princess Royal who has agreed to be the patron of the Trust’s appeal. The flag of our patron saint, the St Andrew’s Cross or Saltire, is a powerful symbol for Scots everywhere, at home or abroad, including representing Scotland at international sporting occasions.

“The existing memorial in the Parish Churchyard has served us well for 60 years, but the passage of time has taken its toll on the concrete structure and it is deteriorating and will need to be replaced.

“The Trust needs to raise over £300,000 to create a new monument that will be a fitting testament to the story it tells of the origins of the flag.   This will help inspire and educate future generations and the thousands of visitors who come each year.”

The Scottish Flag Trust promotes the Saltire as a welcoming symbol for everyone, whether they are Scots by birth, by choice or though their family roots.

The Saltire Declaration

Speaking at the Saltire Memorial alongside other faith leaders, Local Church of Scotland minister Reverend Douglas Hamilton said: 

“Friends. It is good to be here on this day to remember our patron saint, Andrew, whose cross is shown on this flag that is about to be hoisted and around which we gather. 

“Those who stand around this flag just now do so as an act of togetherness – in recognition that this flag belongs to all of us in Scotland – regardless of our religious belief, our political persuasion, the colour of our skin, or the place of our birth.

 “As a new flag is raised, I will read our Saltire Declaration – and invite you to respond at the end by repeating the phrase together ‘Everyone is welcome’.”

The Athelstaneford Saltire Declaration was read:

As we gather around this flag for our nation, 

we declare it to be a symbol of unity and friendship to all those who assemble beneath it and around it. 

As it flies above us,

may we live in peace and harmony,

may we walk in truth and justice,

and may we grow to be a people of love. 

May this Saltire be a welcoming symbol for everyone.  

‘Everyone is welcome’

Scotland’s Saltire

A public letter has been written to restart the appeal for funding for a memorial.

Donate at saltire.scot