Highland Flag?

[Graywolf]

Just came across this thread. My guess would be the flag is combining nordic, i.e., design, with celtic color, i.e., green cross. I chased all over the net and got nowhere also. From a purely historical perspective, I can't say I like it.

Vikings were mainly interlopers in the highlands. They had a few settlements, but by 1014 or so ceased to be of any significance. The isles were a different matter. The vikings conquered, settled and controlled them for a significant period of time, about 500 years. In 1468, Orkney and Shetland were pledged by Christian I, in his capacity as king of Norway, as security against the payment of the dowry of his daughter Margaret, betrothed to James III of Scotland.[3] The cash dowry was never paid, so the islands were forfeited to the Crown of Scotland. They would be Norse-Gael and the flags chosen represent this.

If I were designing a flag for the highlands, I think a Picto-Gael theme would more representative. Maybe I'll design one.

[macwilkin]

Just came across this thread. My guess would be the flag is combining nordic, i.e., design, with celtic color, i.e., green cross. I chased all over the net and got nowhere also.

Quite the buggy-ride, eh? Sounds exactly like my original search, which was the reason for my original query.

And yes, you are correct -- the flag is based on the Scandinavian Cross, which is used by a number of countries, as well as the Orkney & Shetland Islands.

From a purely historical perspective, I can't say I like it.

Vikings were mainly interlopers in the highlands. They had a few settlements, but by 1014 or so ceased to be of any significance. The isles were a different matter. The vikings conquered, settled and controlled them for a significant period of time, about 500 years. In 1468, Orkney and Shetland were pledged by Christian I, in his capacity as king of Norway, as security against the payment of the dowry of his daughter Margaret, betrothed to James III of Scotland.[3] The cash dowry was never paid, so the islands were forfeited to the Crown of Scotland. They would be Norse-Gael and the flags chosen represent this.

If I were designing a flag for the highlands, I think a Picto-Gael theme would more representative. Maybe I'll design one.

Different horses for courses. From a historical perspective, I do like it. The Norse have had a strong influence on Scotland, especially the Western Highlands & Islands. The biggest example, of course, is the West Highland mercenaries -- the Galloglass.

The Scandinavian Cross can also symbolise the Normans and their influence on a number of the clans -- in fact, there is a flag for Normandy with the Scandinavian Cross in red & yellow.

But, again, I really didn't mean to start a debate about the flag. All I simply wanted was more information about it. I collect flags, and I would love to add one of these to my collection.

T.

[Graywolf]

Sent a couple of inquiries out via e-mail. One to Highland cultural association. Another to an individual, who mentions it in a website. I'll forward any information I get to you.

[Bellfree]

The posts regarding the Highland flag reminded me that, in Ireland, the individual counties as well as some regions have flags. What about the counties in Scotland?

[macwilkin]

The posts regarding the Highland flag reminded me that, in Ireland, the individual counties as well as some regions have flags. What about the counties in Scotland?

Angus certainly does...they recently adopted a new flag which casued some discussion in the news.

T.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

In Scotland all flags, banners and such, are regulated by the authority of the Lord Lyon. Back in the days when there were counties in Scotland each county had it's own coat of arms, and many county councils did, indeed, fly their own heraldic flag.

I'm not sure I see the need for a "Highland Flag". Aside from the fact that "The Highlands" is a terribly imprecise term both geographically and politically (rather like the term "the American west"), there already exisits in this region a plethora of flags-- various governmental department flags, municipal flags, corporate flags, flags of clan chiefs and flags of armigers; the Royal flag, the Royal Standard, and of course the national flag of Scotland.

The purpose of a flag is to unify and define-- something I rather doubt this flag could achieve.

[macwilkin]

In Scotland all flags, banners and such, are regulated by the authority of the Lord Lyon. Back in the days when there were counties in Scotland each county had it's own coat of arms, and many county councils did, indeed, fly their own heraldic flag.

I'm not sure I see the need for a "Highland Flag". Aside from the fact that "The Highlands" is a terribly imprecise term both geographically and politically (rather like the term "the American west"), there already exisits in this region a plethora of flags-- various governmental department flags, municipal flags, corporate flags, flags of clan chiefs and flags of armigers; the Royal flag, the Royal Standard, and of course the national flag of Scotland.

The purpose of a flag is to unify and define-- something I rather doubt this flag could achieve.

Thanks for the insights -- again, I was really only hoping for more information on the flag itself, not a discussion of it.

I think I'll contact the UK Vexillogical Association and see what they know.

T.

[Panache]

Thanks for the insights -- again, I was really only hoping for more information on the flag itself, not a discussion of it.

I think I'll contact the UK Vexillogical Association and see what they know.

T.

With that it would seem that this thread has run its course.

Thread closed.

Cheers

Jamie