Be Part of The Saltire Story
A New monument to an ancient story
The Saltire – Scotland's national flag – is more than a symbol. It's a beacon of unity, welcome, and pride for Scots everywhere, at home and abroad. Born from a miraculous vision during a pivotal battle in Athelstaneford in 832 AD, it represents our shared history, values, and global kinship.
But after 60 years, the original memorial in Athelstaneford is in serious decline. The concrete structure that has stood as a testament to our flag's origins needs urgent replacement. We're launching the Saint Andrew’s Day Appeal to raise £300,000 to build a r a new, dignified monument – one that honors our past and inspires future generations.
Your donation today will ensure the Saltire's story endures. Whether you're a Scot by birth, by choice, through family roots, or simply have a love of Scotland, this is your chance to rally behind our national emblem. Every contribution, large or small, brings us closer to building a lasting legacy.
Scotland's Global Kinship
The paved area in front of the monument will contain a world map executed in inlaid coloured stones, highlighting the locations of St Andrew’s and Saltire Societies founded by Scots worldwide—a testament to Scotland's global kinship.
Each society is marked by a small inset bronze disc bearing a Saltire motif.
The map is framed by a decorative border inspired by the intricate interlace and keypattern designs found on Pictish carved stones.
Design details
The inner face of the new monument comprises two bronze relief panels at either end of the curved wall, rebated to sit flush with the stone face of the wall. The panels will be sculpted by Tim Chalk and cast by artisans at Powderhall Bronze in Edinburgh.
The inscription will be hand carved by specialist stonemasons with the final words “The Flag of Scotland” being highlighted as raised bronze letters in the same finish as the bronze end panels. The inscription has been maintained from the original Saltire Memorial linking the old memorial with the new Saltire Monument. Underlying the text is a lightly textured carved Saltire spread above the two opposing armies.
"Tradition says that near this place in times remote Pictish and Scottish warriors about to defeat an army of Northumbrians, saw against a blue sky a great white cross like Saint Andrew’s, and in its image made a banner which became the flag of Scotland."
The stylistic approach is based on Pictish carved stones contemporary with the legendary battle depicted, while the lettering style is also based on contemporary texts such as the Book of Kells
Why Now? The Urgent Need
In the lead-up to the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of the memorial, the Scottish Flag Trust has been undertaking a programme of restoration and renewal. The Trust has been working to make a better attraction for the thousands of people who visit each year.
Sadly, repair of the memorial has been assessed as unviable in the long term and the memorial stands in urgent need of replacement. Stevenson’s copper plate was removed in the 1990s and the original artistic intent of the memorial has been compromised.
The original plan had was to clean, repair and enhance the existing Saltire Memorial and its setting. The memorial would have been carefully cleaned and the concrete conserved before a new bronze plaque was set in place which would have been a better representation of the architect’s original vision for the site. Concrete specialists have carried out detailed tests on the memorial and there are underlying structural problems which make repair unviable in the long term. The Trust commissioned specialist heritage architects Simpson & Brown to prepare a detailed report as part of a heritage assessment and statement of significance before making a decision on whether conservation or replacement was the correct route forward.
The memorial as it stands is no longer a fitting tribute to the orgins of Scotland's flag.
The Saltire Memorial has detairorated badly and is in urgent need of replacement.
