An Uncertain Future For The Union Flag In Scottish History
The Scottish Flag may at first glance seem to be a very simple motif to represent the proud nation of Scotland, but look under the surface of the design and you realise that its seemingly simplistic graphic belies a fascinating sequence of historical events. It all started with a legendary battle between the armies of the Picts and Scots against the Angles in 832 AD, and the appointing of Saint Andrew as the patron saint of the country.
Missing out an awful lot of religious and political shenanigans between then and now, it seems it might be all change again when Scotland votes on independence in 2014. The original purpose of the Scottish Flag was to be held aloft as a form of identity by soldiers, as the country went to war on the battlefield. Next year there could be still more battles of, hopefully, a less bloody nature.
Quite how flags and the way people identify with them is taken into the future is unclear. Researchers at Strathclyde University's school of government and public policy, with the help of the BBC, have undertaken an online survey to try and establish whether flags actually have a kind of hidden power to affect the way people think about things. Respondents were mixed between English and Scottish, and were shown different types of flag.
The results were interesting in that, of more than 10,000 people who participated, those who lived in Scotland said that neither the Saltire (or Scottish Flag), nor the union Flag, had a significant effect on Scottish national pride. As far as confidence in each country's economy was concerned, 42 per cent of people on both sides of the border reported that the Union Flag made them feel positive about the current economic situation in their country. When people looked at the Saltire or the St George's Cross, they unanimously had more negative feelings about the economy. So, if Scotland were to go it alone in 2014, would it actually be advantageous to drop the Union Flag in favour of the Scottish Flag?
The Scottish Conservatives though feel sure in which direction they should be heading. They launched a new logo in November last year based on the Saltire. They said it was: "Distinctly Scottish but with colours which clearly reflect our pride in the United Kingdom." Oh really? It's simply an array of blue Saltire-type crosses, with just the merest hint of red included. It could catch on though and become the new Scottish Flag - the Union Saltire.
About the Author
Richard Johnson - Traditional flagmakers since 1872 providing experience, quality and service. http://www.flagmakers.co.uk/scottish-flag.php
Tell others about
this page:
Comments? Questions? Email Here