Athelstaneford has always been proud to be associated with the birth of Scotland's flag - the Saltire or Flag of St. Andrew. The diagonal white cross on a blue background is easily recognised and flies as a visible reminder of Scotland's heritage, particularly, in connection with her patron saint. The St. Andrew's Cross is said to be the oldest flag within the British Commonwealth and throughout Europe. But why should it be flown in an East Lothian village? For there in an easterly corner of the church graveyard the Saltire flies day and night. There, regularly flood-lit, the flag of St. Andrew brings an added warmth and light, especially during the long winter nights.
The story behind the saltire is believed to have originated in a battle fought near Athelstaneford in the 9th Century. The very name of Athelstaneford suggests the Ford of Athelstan. There was, indeed, a West Saxon King of that name; but our Athelstan was a warrior from Northumbria. Historians suggest differing versions of the tale, but it is generally agreed that an army of Pictish soldiers under their leader Angus mac Fergus High King of Alba - and assisted by a detachment of Scots led by Eochaidh, King of Dalriada (Grand-father of Kenneth mac Alpin) - found themselves surrounded by a much larger force of Angles led by their leader Athelstan. The year was 832 AD. A short time before the battle, King Angus prayed to God that, in spite of his smaller army, he might lead his soldiers to victory. That day his prayers for deliverance were answered. There in the sky could be seen a cloud formation of a white diagonal cross against a blue sky - the very cross-shape on which Andrew, the first disciple of Christ, was put to death. The king made a promise that if victory were granted to him in battle through the help of Andrew, then his name would for ever after be adopted as the patron saint.
That day the Picts and Scots won the battle and the Cross of St. Andrew became the flag of Scotland.
As a footnote, it is interesting to know that the patronage of St. Andrew is shared by two other countries - Greece and the former USSR now known as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
K.D.F. Walker
The Manse
Athelstaneford
October 1997