Black saltire

[Graham]

Correction, seeing what http://www.siol-nan-gaidheal.com/ stands for, I think I'll give the flag a miss in adding it to my collection of celtic flags.

[Mike1]

Graham, the bratach dubh, or black banner is a symbol used by Siol nan Gaidheal, a Scottish-based, ultra-nationalist organization.


An image of myself and Joe Mackenzie of Clann an Drumma, holding up one of the Siol bratach dubhs.

The black symbolizes the mourning for Scotland's loss of independence. The cross is the Cross of St. Andrew, Scotland's patron saint. The Celtic circle symbolizes the the history of the Scottish community, with the many strands making up the one whole. The Gàidhlig 'A' is for Alba, the ancient name of Scotland.

These banners are made by a Siol member for other Siol members and are not for sale. When I took demit from the organization, I passed along my banner to another member of the U.S. Chapter.

McClef, if you were to travel to the majority of the commemorations held in Scotland each year, you would see this banner being displayed.


Robert 'Rob Roy' MacGregor commemoration, December 2004


Battle of Falkirk commemoration, January 2005



Battle of Bannockburn commemoration, June 2005


Glencoe commemorative rally, February 2005


Rob Roy commemoration, December 2005. I'm holding the blue variant that I carried in the Wallace Homecoming, as we moved the Spirit of Wallace coffin to St. Kentigern's Kirk, in Lanark, a few months earlier -


(Yes, yes, the 'A' is backwards)

The Siol banners are being displayed, you just have to know where to look.

And you never know when you might see one displayed at Westminster.



Or even inside -


This plaque marks where William Wallace stood as he was sentenced to death.

[cessna152towser]

if you were to travel to the majority of the commemorations held in Scotland each year, you would see this banner being displayed.

Are these private commemorations held by members of Siol nan Gaidheal? I certainly can't recall hearing anything about any of these commemorations at the time. I've lived in Scotland all my life and until I read this thread I had never heard of Siol nan Gaidheal.

[Mike1]

The Robert MacGregor commemoration is usually organized by Na Fir Dileas.

The Battle of Bannockburn commemoration is a large event, well attended by many groups, usually with a large SNP turn-out as well.

The pictures from London and Lanark were segments of the Walk for Wallace events, with turn-outs in the thousands at both locations.

[McClef]

Well Mike I will be sure to keep my eyes peeled for one next month

Spending 2 nights in Stirling and 3 in Edinburgh and also visiting St Andrews my old alma mater for the day! I was there for 4 years as a student and saw naery a one, despite knowing people in the Student Nationalist Association.

If I see one I will take a piccy!