Countries have flags as they act as symbols of their nation that - in theory - hold similar beliefs, goals and commitment to laws within a defined territory. However, if history teaches us anything it's that morals (as well as borders) can change sporadically and so many countries have had a wealth of different flag designs.
Diplo reports that Afghanistan alone has changed flags a whopping 30 times in the last 100 years. But what about Scotland? Well, as a country with a rich and sometimes dark history our many islands, regions, cities, organisations, royalty and more have seen a myriad of flag designs hoisted high into the bonnie Scottish sky.
Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of twenty-nine flags used in Scotland, where they are raised and what they represent.
5. Royal Standard of the United Kingdom used in Scotland
In Scotland a different version of the Royal Standard is used, with Scottish arms in the first and fourth quarters and English arms in the second, which is used when a Sovereign is present. There are many variations of this design but this particular flag dates back to 1837. Photo: Own Work via WikiCommons
6. Standard of the Queen Consort used in Scotland
While in Scotland the queen consort will use the Scottish version of the Royal Standard. The above represents the 2022 design for Camilla, the latest Queen Consort following the death of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Photo: Fry1989 via WikiCommons
7. Flag of Kirkcudbrightshire
This flag bears the cross of Saint Cuthbert because the region was named after him, the flag was registered in 2016. Photo: Hogweard via WikiCommons
8. Flag of Orkney
Orkney (or the “Orkney Islands”) is located in the Northern Isles of Scotland, once again this flag bears a Nordic cross in recognition of the unique heritage and historical crossover between Scotland and the Vikings in the past - it has been used since 2007. Photo: Rab Knight via WikiCommons