Princess Royal announced as patron of appeal to create new Saltire monument

The Princess Royal has been announced as the patron of an appeal to create a new monument to Scotland’s national flag.

The Scottish Flag Trust launched the appeal on St Andrew’s Day, 60 years to the day since the unveiling of the national memorial at the birthplace of the Saltire in the East Lothian village of Athelstaneford.

The memorial is now in a state of serious structural decline and it is hoped £300,000 can be raised to replace it with a new monument.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and other civic and faith leaders gathered in Athelstaneford for a special Saltire Service as the appeal was launched on Sunday.

Scottish Flag Trust convener David Williamson said: “We are most grateful to HRH The Princes Royal who has agreed to be the patron of the trust’s appeal.

“The flag of our patron saint, the St Andrew’s Cross or Saltire, is a powerful symbol for Scots everywhere, at home or abroad, including representing Scotland at international sporting occasions.

“The existing memorial in the Parish Churchyard has served us well for 60 years, but the passage of time has taken its toll on the concrete structure and it is deteriorating and will need to be replaced.

“The trust needs to raise over £300,000 to create a new monument that will be a fitting testament to the story it tells of the origins of the flag. This will help inspire and educate future generations and the thousands of visitors who come each year.”

According to legend, the Saltire was created after a battle in 832 AD, when an army of Picts and Scots faced a larger Northumbrian force.

Fearing defeat, Pictish King Angus mac Fergus prayed for deliverance and was rewarded by seeing clouds in the form of a diagonal white cross against a blue sky, a sight which was said to have spurred his army on to victory.

Mr Swinney spoke at the event on Sunday, saying: “I commend the Scottish Flag Trust for its work to preserve this important symbol of our identity, and to maintain the awareness and the understanding of the significance of what the Saltire represents and to share that with others.

“And to ensure that this piece of our shared heritage is cherished and nurtured for future generations.”

Faith leaders, historians and politicians from different parties are among those who have signed an open letter urging people to donate to the appeal and reaffirming that Scotland’s Saltire is a “welcoming banner for all who call themselves Scots or aspire to do so”.

Douglas Alexander, MP for Lothian East, said: “Athelstaneford holds a special place in Scotland’s story as the birthplace of the Saltire.

“East Lothian itself is a community rich in history and pride, and that spirit will be at the heart of this year’s Saint Andrew’s Day gathering.

“I welcome the work of the Scottish Flag Trust and the local community in preserving this important site and in ensuring that the Saltire remains a symbol of welcome and belonging for all.”

Trust patron, Professor Emeritus Sir Tom Devine, said: “It is essential that there be a fitting and lasting memorial to the origins of Scotland’s national flag.

“I therefore warmly commend this fundraising campaign to Scots both at home and abroad and indeed to all who have a love of Scotland.”

The new monument has been designed by architects Simpson and Brown with artist Tim Chalk.

The proposed structure will feature a world map, etched in stone, linking Scotland to the many Saltire and St Andrew societies founded by Scots around the globe.