# flag of Scotland

> national flag of Scotland

**Wikidata**: [Q102392](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102392)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Scotland)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/flag-of-scotland

## Summary
The flag of Scotland, commonly known as the Saltire, is the national flag of Scotland. It features a white saltire (diagonal cross) on a blue background, symbolizing the country's patron saint, Saint Andrew, and is recognized as one of the oldest national flags in the world, with documented use dating to at least 1500. The flag holds official status in Scotland and is distinct from the Union Jack, which represents the United Kingdom.

## Key Facts
- **Design**: White saltire on a blue field, with official colors defined as blue (#003C99) and white (#FFFFFF).
- **Inception**: Documented use since 1500, with earlier historical references to the saltire symbol.
- **Aliases**: Known as the Saltire, Saint Andrew's Cross, and Scotland flag, among other multilingual terms (e.g., *Schottische Flagge* in German, *聖アンデレ十字* in Japanese).
- **Unicode Character**: Represented by the emoji 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (regional indicator symbols for Scotland).
- **Classifications**: Instance of "national flag" and "flag of a country subdivision" (Scotland within the UK).
- **Identifiers**: 
  - Flags of the World ID: `gb-scotl`
  - Wikidata ID: Q500925
  - BabelNet ID: 01032857n
  - Freebase ID: `/m/018gfv`
  - Wikimedia Commons Category: "Flags of Scotland"
- **Related Entities**: Linked to Saint Andrew, Scotland, and the Union Jack (via historical and political context).
- **Sitelink Count**: 67 Wikipedia articles across languages, including Scots (sco), Scottish Gaelic (gd), and Mandarin (zh).
- **Specifications**: 
  - Aspect ratio: 3:5 (government standard)
  - Official shades: Navy blue (Pantone 280 C) and white.

## FAQs
**What does the flag of Scotland symbolize?**  
The white saltire represents the X-shaped cross on which Saint Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, was martyred, while the blue field symbolizes the sky or the sea. Together, they reflect Scotland’s Christian heritage and national identity.

**How is the flag of Scotland distinct from the Union Jack?**  
The flag of Scotland predates the Union Jack (1707) and is specific to Scotland, whereas the Union Jack represents the United Kingdom as a whole. The Saltire is flown independently in Scotland, particularly at government buildings and during national events.

**When was the flag officially adopted?**  
While its use dates to at least 1500, the modern standardization of colors (navy blue and white) was formalized in 2003, though historical variations existed.

**What are the correct proportions for the flag?**  
The official proportions are 3:5 (length to width), with the saltire’s arms meeting at the center and extending to the edges of the flag.

## Why It Matters
The flag of Scotland is a globally recognized symbol of Scottish identity, sovereignty, and history. As one of the oldest national flags in continuous use, it predates the formation of the United Kingdom and remains a potent emblem of Scottish nationalism and cultural pride. Its simple yet distinctive design has influenced vexillology (the study of flags) and serves as a unifying icon for Scots worldwide, distinct from other UK nations’ flags.

## Notable For
- **Oldest National Flag**: One of the oldest national flags in the world, with documented use since the 16th century.
- **Unique Design**: The saltire is the only flag in the world to feature a white diagonal cross on a blue field as its primary design.
- **Unicode Representation**: Has a dedicated regional indicator emoji (🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿), reflecting its digital and cultural significance.
- **Cultural Resurgence**: Gained renewed prominence during debates over Scottish independence (2014 referendum) and devolution.

## Body

### Design and Symbolism
The flag of Scotland features a white saltire (diagonal cross) centered on a blue field. The saltire symbolizes the X-shaped cross associated with Saint Andrew, who, according to legend, requested to be crucified on a diagonal cross to avoid feeling superior to his executioners. The blue field traditionally represents the sky or the sea, though interpretations vary. Official color specifications are navy blue (Pantone 280 C) and white, standardized in 2003, though historical variations included lighter blue shades.

### History
The flag’s design is first definitively recorded in 1500, though the saltire symbol was used in Scotland since at least the 12th century. It is one of the oldest national flags in continuous use, predating the Union Jack (1707). The flag’s endurance through Scotland’s incorporation into the UK and its 1999 devolution reflects its role as a symbol of national continuity.

### Legal and Cultural Status
The flag is officially recognized as Scotland’s national flag under the UK’s flag protocol. It is flown daily at Scottish government buildings and during national events like Saint Andrew’s Day (November 30). Unlike the Union Jack, the Saltire does not require permission for public display in Scotland, fostering widespread use by citizens and institutions.

### Digital and Global Representation
The flag is represented digitally by the Unicode emoji 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (combining regional indicators for Scotland) and tagged as `scotland_flag` in imageboard communities. Its Wikimedia Commons category (“Flags of Scotland”) hosts over 1,000 images, and it appears in the “gallery of sovereign-state flags” despite Scotland not being a sovereign state, underscoring its unique status.

### Technical Specifications
- **Aspect Ratio**: 3:5 (government standard), though 1:2 and 5:6 ratios are also used in specific contexts.
- **Color Codes**: 
  - Blue: Pantone 280 C, HEX #003C99, RGB (0, 60, 153)
  - White: HEX #FFFFFF, RGB (255, 255, 255)
- **Materials**: Official flags are typically made of durable polyester or cotton for outdoor use.

### Related Entities
- **Saint Andrew**: The flag’s design directly references the patron saint, whose feast day (November 30) is Scotland’s national day.
- **Union Jack**: The Saltire is incorporated into the Union Jack’s design, symbolizing Scotland’s union with England and Northern Ireland.
- **Scottish Devolution**: The flag’s prominence increased after the 1999 establishment of the Scottish Parliament, which reinforced Scottish cultural autonomy.

### Global Recognition
The flag is recognized by international bodies such as the International Vexillological Association and is included in the *Flags of the World* database (ID: `gb-scotl`). Its 67 Wikipedia articles span languages from Scots (sco) to Mandarin (zh), reflecting global interest in Scottish culture and identity.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. BabelNet
3. [Scotland | VexiWiki | Fandom](https://flags.fandom.com/wiki/Scotland)
4. Name Suggestion Index