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This is the story of how a white diagonal cross on a sky blue background became
the flag of Scotland and the oldest flag in Europe. At the time this story took place
neither Scotland nor England were countries as we would know then today.
In part it symbolises our patron saint, St. Andrew, who was crucified on a
cross this shape because he felt he was unfit to be crucified on the same shaped
cross as Jesus. It is sometimes called the St Andrews cross because of this.
St Andrew never came to Scotland only his bones were brought here. The place of there landing was named especially to commemorate this event. Its proper name is the Saltire
The Picts and Scots tribes under King Angus were invading an area of Scotland now called the Lothians but then it was Northumbrian territory. They became
surrounded by the the Angles tribe.
The night before the battle was due to begin King Angus feel on his knees and
prayed to his God and the Christian saints to help him. Legend records that Saint
Andrew appeared to him in a vision.
The following day as the troops knelt to pray, a white cross appeared in the
beautiful blue sky above the battle field.This was taken as a sign that the Picts and
Scots had God and Saint Andrew on their side and made the them fight all
the more fiercely so King Angus won the battle.
When Scotland joined Britain and made it Great Britain the English and Welsh
flag were added to bring about the Union Jack. The background of this flag should
be sky blue but often appears dark blue. This is incorrect it should be sky blue and
the Union Jack should only be called this when it is hoist up the jack mast of a ship.
Its proper name is The Flag of the Union
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