Did you realize that Scotland has its own flag? The image of the white Saltire cross against a blue background is the oldest flag in Europe and the Commonwealth, the Saltire, or St. Andrew’s Cross, is a symbol of Scotland and its history of freedom, bravery, courage, valor, hope and pride. 

I read various figures but it seems to that millions of Americans claim some Scottish ancestry. The 2000 census reported nearly five million. I have some Scottish ancestry, do you?

The Saltire flag is believed to have its origins in a battle fought in the year 832 AD during a raid into what is now Scottish territory. The English and Scottish armies came together at the Firth of Forth, a wide vale of a protruding ocean. In fear for his men and the outcome of the battle, King Angus of the Picts (old term for Scots) led prayers for a safe deliverance and, so legend has it, was overwhelmed by a blinding light the night before the battle. That night while he slept he had a dream that the next morning he would see a cross in the sky and conquer his enemies. The following morning, King Angus looked into the rising sun and was rewarded by seeing a cloud formation of the white Saltire (the white diagonal cross on which St. Andrew had been martyred) against a clear blue sky. Angus vowed then and there that is the Scots won this battle ahead of them that St. Andrew would become the patron saint of Scotland and his symbol, the Saltire, would be on their flag. And so it was. 

When you might be lucky enough to visit Scotland, you can visit the birthplace of the Scottish flag. Saltire, the East Lothian village of Athelstanford, where that historic battle and King Angus’s vision took place, is not home to the Scottish Flag Heritage Centre. Housed in a 16th century doo’cot (a dovecot) admission is free and it’s open April to October.