Athelstaneford the birthplace of Scotland's flag
The Saltire is a welcoming symbol for all Scots whether they are Scots by birth, by choice or through their family roots.
The Saltire memorial and Flag Heritage Centre in Athelstaneford celebrate our connection as the birthplace of the Saltire, Scotland's national flag.
A New monument to an ancient story
The Scottish Flag Trust is launching the Saint Andrew’s Day Appeal to build a new monument at the birthplace of Scotland’s flag. Designed by award-winning architects Simpson and Brown with artist Tim Chalk, the proposed monument will feature a world map, etched in stone, linking Scotland to the many Saltire and St Andrew Societies founded by Scots worldwide—a testament to our global kinship.
We invite all Scots, at home and abroad, to join this legacy by contributing to the appeal. Donations, large or small, can be made online at saltire.scot. Together, let us ensure the Saltire’s story endures for generations to come.
Sponsor the flag for a day
A unique Scottish gift, perfect for Scots at home or overseas and everyone with a love for Scotland and the Saltire.
Sponsor the flag as a unique way to mark an important date like an anniversary or birthday. Chose a day important to you, a friend or a loved one as a gift or to remember someone special.
All sponsors receive a certificate and have their name recorded in the Book of the Saltire on display in the Flag Heritage Centre.
Cllr John McMillan
Provost of East Lothian
I want to invite anyone and everyone with an interest in our country’s history and culture to support the work of the Trust, and to visit the place which is the birthplace of the Saltire, Scotland’s national flag. I hope to welcome you to East Lothian, and look forward to seeing you in Athelstaneford to enjoy and learn about a unique place in our nation’s story.
Andrea Baker
Mezzo Soprano
As a new Scottish citizen, the Saltire means something very special to me. It is a symbol of a Scotland that lives up to the promise of being a welcoming nation. I support wholeheartedly this campaign to make the memorial more accessible to all who want to learn about our history, at the very place of its birth.
Dr Joe Morrow
Lord Lyon King of Arms
I was delighted to be asked by the Trustees a year or so ago to deliver a lecture on the Saltire within Heraldry. The Saltire is one of the most powerful symbols within heraldry representing our nation of Scotland. I have been privileged to address St Andrews Societies and Highland Games across the world as Lord Lyon, and the diaspora have a tremendous attachment to Scotland’s flag and its birthplace – Athelstaneford.
David Hayman
Actor
I was in Athelstaneford in 2016 while filming in East Lothian for a series of STV programmes entitled Hayman’s Way. It was the first time I had visited this historic site, and I was delighted we were able to bring the story of the origins of Scotland’s national flag to a television audience.
Prof. Sir Tom Devine
Historian
It is essential that the memorial to the origins of Scotland's national flag is suitably preserved for posterity. I therefore warmly commend this fundraising campaign to Scots both at home and abroad and indeed to all who have a love of Scotland.
Eunice Olumide
Supermodel and arts professional
As someone working in the fashion and the arts industry, I am always struck by the bold and striking symbolism of Scotland's flag. The beauty of my cultural dichotomy between Africa and Scotland has ensured I am open-minded, objective and often look at things from a variety of perspectives. I cherish the fact that Scotland's saltire can be a welcoming symbol for everyone and incorporate the heritage of all of us who call ourselves Scots.