As it is St. Andrew's Day, we thought there could be no better way to celebrate than by sharing our visit to Athelstaneford, the birthplace of Scotland's national flag, the Saltire. We were accompanied by our beloved Golden Retriever, Sawyer, on this special journey in July 2023 and little did we know, it would be one of his final adventures before he crossed over the rainbow bridge. Therefore, in celebration of Scotland's patron saint- as well as our very own St. Sawyer- join us as we journey to Athelstaneford and its Flag Heritage Centre.
The Legend of the Saltire
The Flag Heritage Centre is run by the Scottish Flag Trust, who explain that Scotland's flag dates to a pivotal battle in the year 832 AD. It is said that the Picts, led by Angus mac Fergus, High King of Alba, and aided by a contingent of Scots led by Eochaidh (Kenneth mac Alpin’s grandfather), were preparing to battle the Angles and Saxons.
Before the two armies clashed (in an area just north of the modern village of Athelstaneford), King Angus “led prayers for deliverance”, and at that moment, a miraculous sight appeared in the sky—a white saltire (the X-shaped cross) against a vivid blue background. The saltire was the diagonal cross on which St. Andrew had been martyred, and the King “vowed that if, with the saint’s help, he gained the victory, then Andrew would thereafter be the patron saint of Scotland. The Scots did win, and the Saltire became the flag of Scotland”. Furthermore, the Scottish Flag Trust points out that “when Kenneth mac Alpin, who may have been present with his grandfather at the battle, later united Picts and Scots and named the entity Scotland, Andrew did indeed become the patron saint of the united realm”.
Visiting Athelstaneford and The Flag Heritage Centre
Today, Athelstaneford's charming church and its surrounding graveyard offer a serene setting to contemplate the historical significance of the Saltire. As we wandered through the graveyard, Sawyer trotted alongside, occasionally pausing to sniff at the ancient headstones and bask in the warm summer sun. The peaceful ambiance gave us a profound sense of connection to the past, reminding us of the enduring legacy of Scotland's national symbol.
A short distance from the church lies the Athelstaneford Doocot, an unassuming yet fascinating structure that houses the Flag Heritage Centre. This 16th-century dovecote has been transformed into an educational hub where visitors can delve deeper into the story of Scotland's flag.
Sawyer, with his gentle curiosity, seemed to appreciate the cool respite of the stone walls as he paused in the doorway of the Doocot. Inside, informative displays and audio-visual presentations bring the legend of the Saltire to life, offering insights into its historical and cultural significance.
Athelstaneford is only about a 50 minute drive from Edinburgh. In fact, it is just several minutes from Scotland's National Museum of Flight. Therefore, if you are in the area, we highly recommend you visit. Please note that, according to the Scottish Flag Trust website, the Flag Heritage Centre is only open from April- the end of October. We would like to thank the Trust for all the work that they have done and do to preserve such an important part of Scotland’s history. They are a registered Scottish charity and rely on donations to help them carry out their work. You can become a ‘Friend of the Trust’ by going to this weblink.
Our visit to Athelstaneford was a poignant reminder of the timeless bond between history and heritage. It was also a cherished chapter in the life of our dear Sawyer, who brought his boundless joy and love to every moment of our journey. As we celebrate St. Andrew's Day, we hold these memories close, honouring both the spirit of Scotland's flag and our beloved St. Sawyer who shared this adventure with us. One way to celebrate and keep the memory alive of both saints is to choose to do one act of kindness today (and whenever you can). So, join us in paying it forward- whether it be a small or grand gesture does not matter- it’s the little actions that build a legacy of compassion.
Until next time- Explore & Discover!
