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.