Scottish Flag of Preference?

**An t-Ileach** · 6th June 06, 09:43 AM

Lion - because it's origins are with Dal Riada, that became the "Lordship of the Isles and the Kingdom of Man", both centred on Islay.

**Colin** · 6th June 06, 09:47 AM

I really like the Ramapnt Lion, but I still prefer the Saltire. Of course to solve this dilema, I fly both of them along side my Maple Leaf.

**Mattg** · 6th June 06, 10:01 AM

I love the Saltire as a symbol of Scotland. It's a lot more up-to-date and modern looking. Even though it's really old. The Lion Rampant is great too, I have one on my Jeep, but I think the Saltire is a better looking flag.

**A Hay** · 6th June 06, 10:24 AM

With all respect to the Saltire, and thanks to CajunScot for the link on the Saltire's history, my personal preference is for the Rampant Lion. I find the colors and symbolism of the Lion to be stirring to the soul, like the sound of the Great Pipes!

Tom

**Tartan Hiker** · 8th June 06, 08:45 PM

In my travels (way too many interstate miles between here and New Orleans) I see lots of cars with the flag of Nova Scotia on them...especially as front license plates. I began wondering about this some time ago and started asking folks (whenever I had the chance) if they were from Nova Scotia. 100% have replied "What do you mean..that's the flag of Scotland."

**smaughazard** · 8th June 06, 09:12 PM

You're exactly right, Hiker. At least 25% of the vehicles I see at the various games are sporting that tag on the front.

**macwilkin** · 9th June 06, 03:40 AM

Originally Posted by Tartan Hiker

In my travels (way too many interstate miles between here and New Orleans) I see lots of cars with the flag of Nova Scotia on them...especially as front license plates. I began wondering about this some time ago and started asking folks (whenever I had the chance) if they were from Nova Scotia. 100% have replied "What do you mean..that's the flag of Scotland."

I've also seen for sale at various games, a variant of the saltire with the Lion Rampant in the center, mostly as a license plate -- sometimes these are labeled as "Nova Scotia", which is incorrect -- the NS flag is a blue saltire on a white field:

The NS flag is one of my favourites.

Cheers,

Todd

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 9th June 06, 04:03 AM

I'm surprised that no one on this thread has yet mentioned the fact that the actual national flag of Scotland is the St. Andrews Cross. That's why I prefer it, personally.

The Lion Rampant is not a national flag. It's the Arms of the Monarch of Scotland, and though you see it used all the time in the United States (and I can only presume in Canada, as well) as a Scottish national flag, that is an incorrect usage.

For us Americans who don't have a tradition of heraldry, I liken it to the Presidential Seal. Both the Presidential Seal and the US Flag are symbols of our country, but one represents the entire nation, while the other represents our leader/the office of leadership.

M

**Big Paul** · 9th June 06, 05:53 AM

I love the Saltire.

**Scotus** · 9th June 06, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

I'm surprised that no one on this thread has yet mentioned the fact that the actual national flag of Scotland is the St. Andrews Cross. That's why I prefer it, personally.

The Lion Rampant is not a national flag. It's the Arms of the Monarch of Scotland, and though you see it used all the time in the United States (and I can only presume in Canada, as well) as a Scottish national flag, that is an incorrect usage.

M

Thank you, Matt! I was reading through the posts in the hope someone would point out that Scotland has only one flag. The Lion Rampant is not a national flag.