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Scottish Flag

What is scottish flag?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Name Saltire / St Andrew’s Cross[1]
Design White diagonal cross on a blue field[1]
Status National flag of Scotland[1]
Patron saint Saint Andrew[1]

The Scottish flag is the Saltire, also known as St Andrew’s Cross: a white diagonal cross on a blue field. It is the national flag of Scotland and represents Saint Andrew, the country’s patron saint.

Context

The Scottish flag is the Saltire, a white diagonal cross on a blue field, representing Saint Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint [1]. The design is also described as a white saltire extending to the corners of the flag [1]. The blue background was probably chosen to contrast with the red-and-white flag of England [2]. The saltire appears to have become the official national flag in 1385 when the Parliament of Scotland agreed Scottish soldiers should wear the white cross as a distinguishing mark [3]. The flag is sometimes confused with the Lion Rampant, which is described in one source as one of the two flags of Scotland [4].

Documented claims

  • The diagonal cross is said to reference Saint Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint. [1]
  • The blue background was probably chosen to contrast with the red-and-white flag of England. [2]
  • The saltire appears to have become the official national flag in 1385 when the Parliament of Scotland agreed Scottish soldiers should wear the white cross as a distinguishing mark. [3]

Questions and answers

Why are there two flags for Scotland?

Scotland has two flags: the Saltire and the Lion Rampant. The Saltire is the national flag, while the Lion Rampant is a royal banner [4].

Which is the correct Scottish flag?

The correct national flag is the Saltire, a white diagonal cross on a blue field [1]. The Lion Rampant is a separate royal flag, not the national flag [4].

What is the Celtic flag of Scotland?

The Saltire is often considered the Celtic flag of Scotland, as it represents Saint Andrew, the patron saint [1].

Sources

  1. Flag of Scotland - Colours, Meaning, History ??????? — edarabia.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. History and Meaning of the Scottish Flag — historyplex.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Why Does Scotland Have 2 Flags? — celticness.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Behind the Flag of Scotland - WDIY — wdiy.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Places