National Flag Heritage Centre

Main Street
Athelstaneford
01368 863239

In 832 AD a battle took place near what is now Athelstaneford, between a band of Picts and Scots and a band of Angles and Saxons. King Angus, leader of the Picts, prayed for deliverance and, legend has it, a cloud formation of a white saltire (diagonal cross) appeared in the blue sky. The king vowed to make St Andrew, who had been martyred on such a cross, patron saint of Scotland if he helped them to victory. The Picts and Scots were indeed victorious and the saltire became the national flag of Scotland, and Andrew our national Saint.

The Flag Heritage Centre is housed in a restored 16th century doocot next to the churchyard. Here, visitors can enjoy a short audiovisual dramatisation of the event, as well as access to the Parish Church and the Saltire Memorial.

Apr - Oct: 9:00 - 18:00
(also open 30 November, St Andrew's Day)

Free
Toilets, including disabled

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