Flag of Caithness facts for kids
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| Proportion | 3:5 |
|---|---|
| Adopted | 26 January 2016 |
| Design | Sable, a Nordic cross Azure fimbriated Or, and on a canton a galley proper Or charged with a raven sable |
The Caithness flag is the official flag for the area called Caithness in Scotland. It became the county's official flag in 2016. The Flag Institute, which keeps track of flags, registered it. A special ceremony was held in Wick on January 26, 2016. Here, the Lord Lyon, Dr Joseph Morrow, officially showed the flag to everyone. The Lord Lyon is a very important person in Scotland who deals with coats of arms and flags.
The flag's design tells a story about Caithness. It features a Nordic cross, which looks like a cross that is shifted to one side. This design shows the old connections Caithness has to the Vikings. The black color on the flag reminds us of the special black stone found in Caithness, called flagstone. The gold and blue colors represent the beautiful beaches and the sea. These colors highlight how important the sea is to Caithness and its history.
In the top left corner of the flag, there is a traditional symbol of Caithness: a galley. A galley is an old type of ship. On the sail of this ship, you can see a raven. This raven is also part of the official symbols, or "civic arms," of Caithness.
Contents
Understanding the Caithness Flag's Design
The Nordic Cross: A Link to Vikings
The most noticeable part of the Caithness flag is its Nordic cross. This cross is a common design on flags in Nordic countries like Norway and Sweden. Its presence on the Caithness flag shows the strong historical ties between Caithness and the Vikings. Long ago, Vikings explored and settled in many parts of Scotland, including Caithness.
Colors and What They Mean
The colors on the flag are not just pretty; they have special meanings. The black color represents the unique geology of Caithness. This area is famous for its dark, flat stones known as Caithness flagstone. These stones have been used for building for centuries.
The gold and blue colors on the flag symbolize the natural beauty of Caithness. The gold stands for the sandy beaches, and the blue represents the vast sea. These colors also highlight the county's strong connection to the ocean. Fishing, shipping, and coastal life have always been important to the people of Caithness.
The Galley and Raven: Ancient Symbols
In the top left corner of the flag, there is a small picture of a galley. This ancient ship is a traditional symbol of Caithness. It shows the county's maritime heritage and its history of sea travel. On the sail of the galley, you can see a raven. The raven is also an important symbol. It appears in the official "civic arms" of Caithness. Civic arms are like a special badge or emblem used by a town or county.
See also
- Flag of Orkney
- Flag of Shetland
- Flag of Scotland
- List of Scottish flags
- Nordic Cross Flag
