It's a sign.....

[Calgacus]

I don't know if you know the legend of the origins of the Saltire, but you are all closer than you think.

Tradition has it that the flag originated in a battle fought near the East Lothian village of Athelstaneford in AD 832.


An army of Picts under King Óengus II invaded the Lothians (at that time still Northumbrian territory), and found itself surrounded by a larger force of Saxons led by Athelstan. Fearing the outcome, King Angus led prayers for deliverance and was rewarded by seeing a cloud formation of a white Saltire against the blue sky.


The king vowed that if, with the saint’s help, he gained victory, then Andrew would thereafter be the patron saint of Scotland. The Scots did win, and the Saltire eventually became the flag of Scotland.

It is said to be the oldest national flag in Europe, and the oldest flag in continuous use in the world.