THE SALTIRE

The Saltire, ancient flag of Scotland. Said to have been seen as two white bands of cloud overlaying each other against a blue sky, as a sign from St. Andrew that a battle was to be won against the Angles.

It has been believed by generations of Scotsmen that the national flag, the white saltire on a blue background, the oldest flag in Europe, originated in a small town called in Athelstaneford in 832 AD.  A battle took place here between the Scots and the invading Angles lead by Athelstan of Northumbria.  

The odds were against the defenders.  Their King, Angus Mac Fergus, High King of Alba (the ancient name for Scotland) prayed for victory.  At that moment two clouds made the form of the cross on which Saint Andrew was crucified.  

Despite their smaller number, victory went to the Picts and Scots, and so, Saint Andrew was adopted as Scotland's Patron Saint, and his cross as Scotland's Flag, just as it was seen that day, a white Cross against a sky blue background.