National Flag of Scotland

Proportions: 3:5 or 2:3 Scottish Flag Description:
The flag of Scotland consists of a dark blue base with a white St. Andrew's cross through the middle of it.

Scottish Flag Meaning:
Traditional belief states that Scotland's adoption of St Andrew, a disciple of Jesus who is said to have been crucified on an X-shaped cross, as their patron saint was because some of his bones were taken to Scotland and buried at the site of modern day St Andrews. A different legend dating to the 8th century says that King Angus, about to lead his army into battle against a stronger force, spent the night praying for divine guidance and St Andrew appeared in his dreams, promising victory. The next day the King saw white clouds form a saltire (cross) when he looked up into the blue sky. After this vision Angus led his soldiers to victory and he proclaimed St Andrew as the patron saint of Scotland.

Scottish Flag History:
There is no official date of adoption for the Scottish flag but the use of the St. Andrew's cross dates back to at least the 12th century and perhaps as early as the eighth century. By the 15th century the cross was used with a blue background.

Interesting Scottish Flag Facts:
The Scottish flag is one of three flags that make up the Union Jack of Great Britain, one of the most famous flags in the world. The Union Jack consists of the Scottish white cross of St. Andrew the English red cross of St. George and the Northern Irish red cross of St. Patrick on a blue base.

After nearly 300 years, Scotland regained the right to govern itself with the opening of the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh on July 1, 1999. Scottish flags were flown all over the country that day.