Bearer of the National Flag of Scotland facts for kids
The Bearer of the National Flag of Scotland is a special person in the Royal Household of Scotland. This person has an important job: they carry the national flag of Scotland, called the Saltire, during royal events, state ceremonies, and other important occasions. It's a very old and respected role.
Contents
What is the Bearer of the National Flag?
The Bearer of the National Flag of Scotland is one of the "Great Officers of State". These are important officials who help the monarch (the King or Queen) in Scotland. Their main duty is to carry the Saltire, which is Scotland's blue flag with a white cross. This role is mostly ceremonial, meaning it's about tradition and showing respect during special events.
A Bit of History: How the Role Began
The job of carrying Scotland's flag has a long history. It became an official, hereditary role (meaning it passes down through families) many centuries ago.
The King's Grant: Charles II and the Maitlands
In 1676, King Charles II officially gave this important job to Charles Maitland, 3rd Earl of Lauderdale. He did this through a special document called a "charter of novodamus," which is like a new official grant. Later, the Parliament of Scotland (Scotland's old law-making body) agreed with this decision.
King Charles II stated that Charles Maitland and his family would have "the office of bearing our insignia within our said realm of Scotland." This meant they would be the official flag bearers for the King in Scotland. Later, a descendant named James Maitland, 8th Earl of Lauderdale, officially registered his family's right to be the Hereditary Standard Bearer of Scotland.
Two Important Flags: Saltire vs. Lion Rampant
Scotland actually has two very important flags, and it's easy to get them mixed up! The Bearer of the National Flag carries one, and another person carries the other.
- The Saltire is the official national flag of Scotland. It's blue with a white diagonal cross, representing Saint Andrew, Scotland's patron saint.
- The Royal Banner of Scotland, often called the "Lion Rampant", is the personal flag of the Scottish monarch. It's yellow with a red lion standing on its hind legs.
Who Carries Which Flag?
In 1952, the Lord Lyon (who is Scotland's chief expert on coats of arms and ceremonies) made a clear decision. He said that the Earl of Lauderdale's family has the right to carry the Saltire.
Meanwhile, the Earl of Dundee has a different role: they are the Bearer of the Royal Banner. This means they carry the "Lion Rampant" flag. So, Scotland has two different hereditary flag bearers, each with a very specific and important flag to carry!
