Royal Banner of Scotland

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the Kings of Scotland
NameRoyal Standard of Scotland
Lion Rampant of Scotland
Banner of the King of Scots
Proportion5:4
AdoptedCirca 1222
DesignRed (Gules) lion rampant with blue (Azure) claws and tongue, within a red double border having a motif of alternating heraldic lilies, on a yellow (Or) field.

The Royal Standard of Scotland, (Scottish Gaelic: Bratach rìoghail na h-Alba), also known as the Banner of the King of Scots,[1] or more commonly the Lion Rampant of Scotland,[2] is the Scottish Royal Banner of Arms.[3] Used historically by the King of Scots, the Royal Standard of Scotland differs from Scotland's national flag, the Saltire, in that its correct use is restricted by an Act of the Parliament of Scotland to only a few Great Officers of State who officially represent the Sovereign in Scotland.[3] It is also used in an official capacity at royal residences in Scotland when the Sovereign is not present.[4]

The earliest recorded use of the Lion rampant as a royal emblem in Scotland was by Alexander II in 1222;[5] with the additional embellishment of a double border set with lilies occurring during the reign of Alexander III (1249–1286).[5] This emblem occupied the shield of the royal coat of arms of the ancient Kingdom of Scotland which, together with a royal banner displaying the same, was used by the King of Scots until the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI acceded to the thrones of the Kingdom of England and Kingdom of Ireland.[6] Since 1603, the Lion rampant of Scotland has been incorporated into both the royal arms and royal banners of successive Scottish then British monarchs in order to symbolise Scotland; as can be seen today in the Royal Standard of the United Kingdom.[7] Although now officially restricted to use by representatives of the Sovereign and at royal residences, the Royal Standard of Scotland continues to be one of Scotland's most recognisable symbols.[8]

National Flag of Scotland[change | change source]

The Saltire, the national flag of Scotland; a white x shaped cross on a blue background.
The Saltire.

The Flag of Scotland, also known as the Saint Andrew's Cross or more commonly The Saltire, is the national flag of Scotland.[9] The Saltire is the correct flag for everyone to fly in order to show both their loyalty and Scottish nationality.[10] It is also, where possible, flown from Scottish Government buildings every day from 8am until sunset, with certain exceptions; for example United Kingdom National Days.[11]

References[change | change source]

  1. Innes of Learney, Sir Thomas (1934). Scots heraldry: a practical handbook on the historical principles and modern application of the art and science. Oliver and Boyd. p. 186. Google Books
  2. Tytler, Patrick F (1845). History of Scotland Volume 2, 1149-1603. William Tait. p. 433. Google Books
  3. 3.0 3.1 "The "Lion Rampant" Flag". The Court of the Lord Lyon. Archived from the original on 2011-06-05. Retrieved 2008-10-10.
  4. "Union Jack". The Royal Household. Archived from the original on 2013-06-30. Retrieved 2009-08-28.
  5. 5.0 5.1 McAndrew, Bruce (2006). Scotland's Historic Heraldry. Boydell Press. p. 24. ISBN 1843832615. Most important, the convex shield now displays arms of A lion rampant, without as yet the embellishment of a border of any sort At Google Book Search
  6. "United Kingdom Monarchs (1603-present)". The Royal Household. Retrieved 2009-12-15.
  7. "Royal Standard". The Royal Household. Retrieved 2009-12-15.
  8. "'Super regiment' badge under fire". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 2005-08-16. Retrieved 2009-12-09.
  9. Gardiner, James. "Scotland's National Flag, the Saltire or St Andrews Cross". Scran. Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. Retrieved 2009-12-09.
  10. "The Saltire". The Court of the Lord Lyon. Archived from the original on 2018-04-25. Retrieved 2009-12-09.
  11. "Flag Flying Guidance". Issue No. 13 (Valid from January 2009). The Government of Scotland. 2009-01-01. Retrieved 2009-12-09.