Scotland Flag: Meaning and History

Embroidered flag patch — Scotland

History of the flag

Dating back to the 9th century, the Scottish flag is one of the oldest in the world.

According to the legend, during a battle against the Angles, King Oengus II of the Picts prayed to Saint Andrew, who appeared and assured him victory.

What do the elements of the flag mean?

  • The flag features a white saltire, a ‘crux decussata’ representing the cross of the Christian martyr Apostle Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.

  • Blue echoes the North Sea that borders the coasts.

  • White embodies justice and peace.