Clan Flag Protocol

[macwilkin]

Just as each of the 50 States is represented by the stars in the canton of the flag of the United States of America, so is Scotland represented, as a nation, by the blue field and white saltire on the flag of the United Kingdom.

As this is the flag officially recognized by the government of the United States as representing the united kingdoms of Scotland and England, it is the only flag that should be flown or paraded at Highland games.

Whilst I can sympathize with the desire of many to recognize Scotland in an independent way, especially at Highland games, the established protocols regarding national flags do take precedence.

I agree to a point, Rathdown, but I can also see the Saltire being displayed at St. Andrew's society functions, since the Saltire is the Cross of St. Andrew.

If you look at examples of programs/bills of faire/etc. from over the years, St. Andrew's & Caledonian societies almost always used the Saltire or even the Lion Rampant on their literature. Of course, the Union flag was also displayed and "God Save the Queen/King" was played as part of the formal ceremonies as well.

T.

[Chas]

Taken from the official website of Lord Lyon:

http://www.lyon-court.com/lordlyon/236.html

The Saltire
The flag of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. Blue with a white or silver diagonal cross reaching to its edges, this is the correct flag for all Scots or Scottish corporate bodies to fly to demonstrate their loyalty and their Scottish nationality.

Its proportions are not fixed, but 5:4 is suitable.

It is correct both to fly it with or instead of the Union flag. If both are flown they must be on separate poles, the Union flag being on the most important pole.

The emphasis is mine.

Regards

Chas

[EagleJCS]

Would it simplify the discussion a little if everyone were to first read the U.S. Code regarding display of the U.S. flag (and others)?

U.S.C. Title 4, Chapter 1 covers "The Flag". Subsections 7, 8, and 9 in particular pertain to our discussion. http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...USCC1&PDFS=YES


As MoR stated, the Lion Rampant should not be displayed unless a duly appointed representative of Her Majesty were present, as her representative. (That's also on Lord Lyon's website.)

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Whilst the Lord Lyon has stated that it is correct to fly the flag of St. Andrew "with or instead of the Union flag", it should be pointed out that this ruling applies only in Scotland. In the United States one should follow the established protocols regarding the flying and display of foreign flags.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I agree to a point, Rathdown, but I can also see the Saltire being displayed at St. Andrew's society functions, since the Saltire is the Cross of St. Andrew.

No arguement there, Todd. However, there is a world of difference between a private function (a St. Andrew's Society Dinner) and a public event (a Highland games).

In public the protocols regarding the flags of foreign nations should be observed; in private, organizations and individuals have far greater latitude.

[macwilkin]

Would it simplify the discussion a little if everyone were to first read the U.S. Code regarding display of the U.S. flag (and others)?

U.S.C. Title 4, Chapter 1 covers "The Flag". Subsections 7, 8, and 9 in particular pertain to our discussion. http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...USCC1&PDFS=YES


As MoR stated, the Lion Rampant should not be displayed unless a duly appointed representative of Her Majesty were present, as her representative. (That's also on Lord Lyon's website.)

I quoted Section 8 back in my first reply to the OP.

T.

[Santa Kona]

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