St. Andrew Royal Arch Chapter #146

The Saltire in the Union Jack

ENGLAND
St. George
St. George
SCOTLAND
St. Andrew
St. Andrew
IRELAND
St. Patrick
St. Patrick
U.K.
Union Jack
Union Jack

"The Saltire" or the flag bearing the cross of St. Andrew is the national flag of Scotland, and is one of the oldest flags in the world, dating back according to some sources as far as 761AD, but definitely no later than 832AD.

Just for the record St. Andrew is the Patron Saint of Scotland - Russia and Romania as well - and his feast day is celebrated on November 30th.. Apparently there is a move to try and make it into a national holiday.

The flag of St. George (England) didn't put in appearance until the late 13th. century, with St. Patrick (Ireland) not getting official recognition until the late 18th. century.

St. David

Welsah Flag

Following the formation of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly there is talk of alterations being made to the Union Flag to incorporate something of Welsh identity, either part of the gold on black cross of St. David or the very familiar dragon.

But, getting back to the Saltire. Below is an excerpt from a petition brought before the Scottish Parliament...

18 February 2003 :
The Education, Culture and Sport Committee considered a petition from Mr George Reid on the Saltire flag. The Committee agreed that the colour of the Saltire flag should be colour reference Pantone 300. The Committee noted that it was not endorsing any guidance by taking this decision and also noted that consideration of the Petition was now concluded.
25 March 2003 :
The Public Petitions Committee considered a response from the Education, Culture and Sport Committee in relation to the issues raised. The Committee agreed to suggest that a voluntary code or guidance, recommending the use of Pantone 300 for the colour of the Saltire, should be agreed and published by the relevant societies with an interest in the matter. The Committee also agreed to take no further action on the petition.

...which does explain why you will see the flag with a variety of blue backgrounds, some of which have very interesting stories behind them.

As far as I can tell (web colours can be a bit deceiving) the Saltire displayed on this page is about the right shade of blue.

St. George

+

St. Andrew

=

Union Flag of 1606

The Union Flag of 1606
Union Flag of 1606

+

St. Patrick

=

Union Flag of 1801

The Union Flag of 1801