Scotland Flag, Scottish Flag

The Saint Andrew's Cross flag of Scotland is one of the oldest national flags. The cross itself dates to at least to 12th century. This diagonal cross is also known as a saltire. Andrew was a disciple of Christ. Legend tells us that he was crucified on a cross with diagonal beams. His remains were preserved, and several hundred years later Emperor Constantine wanted to move them to his capitol. Warned by an angel of this, a monk was instructed to take them to the ends of the Earth. He traveled until he was shipwrecked in Scotland. We know that some of Andrew's relics were taken to the town of St. Andrews in Scotland, by the Bishop of Hexham in 733 AD (Hexham Abbey is in northern England very near Hadrian’s wall, and is also dedicated to St. Andrew).