A white diagonal cross on a field of blue — simple, ancient, and instantly Scottish. The Saltire is one of the oldest national flags still in use anywhere in the world, and it carries a story that reaches back to a saint, a battlefield, and a cross of clouds in the sky. So what is the Saltire, and why does Scotland fly the cross of Saint Andrew?
Quick Answer: What Is the Saltire and What Does It Mean?
The Saltire is the national flag of Scotland: a white diagonal cross on a blue background. It represents Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, who by tradition was martyred on an X-shaped cross. The flag is said to date to a ninth-century battle at which a white cross appeared against the blue sky, and it is counted among the oldest national flags in continuous use in the world.
Why Is the Saltire the Cross of Saint Andrew?
Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles, is the patron saint of Scotland. Tradition holds that he was put to death on a diagonal, X-shaped cross rather than an upright one, feeling himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ. That diagonal cross — the saltire — became his emblem, and through him, the emblem of Scotland. Saint Andrew's Day, celebrated on the thirtieth of November, remains Scotland's national day.
What Is the Legend Behind the Flag?
The best-known origin story is set at the Battle of Athelstaneford, traditionally dated to the ninth century. A Pictish and Scots army under a king named Óengus (Angus) faced a larger enemy force and prayed for deliverance. According to legend, white clouds formed the shape of Saint Andrew's diagonal cross against the blue sky above the battlefield. Taking it as a sign, the outnumbered army fought on to victory, and the white cross on blue was adopted as their emblem. As with much heritage folklore, the tale is cherished more for its meaning than its documentary proof, but it has anchored the flag's identity for centuries.
How Old Is the Saltire?
The Saltire is often described as one of the oldest national flags in the world still in use. References to the white cross of Saint Andrew as a Scottish emblem appear in the medieval period, and the flag has represented Scotland in one form or another ever since. Its blue has varied over the centuries — from deeper navy tones to the brighter sky blue commonly seen today — but the design has remained constant: the clean white diagonal cross on a blue field.
How Is the Saltire Different From the Lion Rampant?
This is a common source of confusion. The Saltire is the national flag of Scotland, flown by everyone. The Lion Rampant — the red lion on gold — is the Royal Banner of Scotland, historically the standard of the monarch. Both are proudly Scottish, but they are not the same thing: one represents the nation, the other the crown. The Saltire also sits alongside Scotland's other great national emblems, the thistle and the unicorn.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Saltire represent?
It represents Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, who by tradition was martyred on an X-shaped cross. It is the national flag of Scotland.
Why is Scotland's flag a diagonal cross?
Because Saint Andrew is said to have been crucified on a diagonal, X-shaped cross, which became his emblem and, through him, Scotland's.
How old is the Saltire?
It is regarded as one of the oldest national flags still in use, with the white cross of Saint Andrew recorded as a Scottish emblem in the medieval period.
Is the Saltire the same as the Lion Rampant?
No. The Saltire is the national flag flown by all. The Lion Rampant is the Royal Banner of Scotland, historically the standard of the monarch.
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