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.
17. Flag of Aberdeen
Aberdeen’s coat of arms consists of three towers within a border decorated with “fleurs-de-lis”. This design is reported to have been used on city seals as early as the 15th century. Photo: JimmyGuano via WikiCommons
18. Flag of Angus (Proposed)
This heraldic flag is derived from the arms of the Angus council, it consists of four quarters - one with a red crowned lion passant, a gold cinquefoil, a depiction of the heart of Robert the Bruce, and a blue-white checked strip crossed with a buckled red belt. Photo: via WikiCommons
19. Banner of Arms of Dundee
This design dates back to 1673, it depicts three lilies in a vase on a blue field - the heraldic flag is taken from the Dundee council’s coat of arms. The lilies are special Madonna lilies, shaped like a trumpet, they are reminiscent of Mary The Madonna who is one of Dundee’s patron saints. Photo: TMcB23 via WikiCommons
20. Banner of Arms of Edinburgh
This is the heraldic flag derived from the arms of Edinburgh Council, its use dates back to 1732. Photo: NikNaks via WikiCommons