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.
21. Scottish Union Flag
Dated from 1606 to 1707, this flag was the first union flag which shows the Flag of Scotland superior to and overlying the Flag of England. Photo: Benson85 via WikiCommons
22. Scottish Covenanter flag
Covenanters were members of a 17th-century religious and political movement in Scotland who supported a Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Photo: MrPenguin20 via WikiCommons
23. Scottish Red Ensign
A red ensign with the flag of Scotland in the canton, this flag was used by the Royal Scottish Navy and it was used until 1707. Photo: Zscout370 via WikiCommons
24. Flag of the Company of Scotland Trading to Africa and the Indies
Dated to 1698, this flag was used by the Company of Scotland trading to Africa and the Indies. Photo: Milenioscuro via WikiCommons