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.
13. Flag of Isle of Skye
Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides and this 2020 flag represents the island’s Viking and Celtic heritage with a birlinn boat with five oars - one for every area of the island. Photo: Hogweard via WikiCommons
14. Flag of South Uist
South Uist is the second largest island of the Scottish outer hebrides, its flag - which dates to 2017 - sports a Scandinavian cross decorated in white. Photo: Hogweard via WikiCommons
15. Former unofficial flag of Orkney
This was a former yet unofficial flag used for Orkney which features the cross of St Magnus, it was denied formal recognition by Lord Lyon in 2001. Photo: Rab Knight via WikiCommons
16. Flag of Sutherland (previous)
This design was originally unveiled as the Flag of Sutherland in February 2018, but was placed on hold due to backlash from residents. A public vote in October 2018 led to the retirement of this flag. Photo: Hogweard via WikiCommons