THE dreich and dismal weather of East Lothian's The Saltire celebrations may not have been what organisers had in mind, but there was no denying that it was in keeping with the Scottish theme of the day.

And it was a tribute to the resilient Scottish spirit that so many refused to allow miserable Mother Nature dampen their spirits or determination to honour East Lothian and its significant role in the country's history.

The day of celebrations, attended by First Minister Alex Salmond and one of many climactic events that took place across Scotland to mark the end of the Year of the Homecoming, began on St Andrew's Day Eve at the birthplace of the country's national flag, Athelstaneford. Though the miserable weather forced the cancellation of the parachute jump by the Golden Lions army team, who were to drop from the sky that morning carrying a large Saltire, a crowd of about 100 people gathered at the Doo'cot Flag Heritage Centre, to the rear of Athelstaneford Parish Church.

Following a joint service of Athelstaneford and Whitekirk congregations at the village kirk, the Rev Joanne Evans-Boiten, assisted by session clerk Emily Armatage, blessed and presented a large Saltire to a pair of horse riders, who then joined a party around 30 equestrians and departed for Haddington.

"I think the service and the blessing went very well and I'm happy to see so many people here today," said Mrs Evans-Boiten.

"When I first arrived as minister I was told about The Saltire event and I thought it was very important that our church was involved so I'm delighted to have had the honour of being invited to bless the flag." Also in attendance was East Lothian's Lord Lieutenant Sir Garth Morrison, who told the Courier: "It is a great privilege to be present in the village and it was a very well conducted service.

"It's nice to be reminded of the origins of The Saltire and the cross itself." An hour later in Haddington, spectators lined the walkway along the River Tyne, from Peter Potter Gallery to the side entrance to St Mary's Parish Church, to witness the arrival of the riding party.

As the horses crossed the Nungate Bridge the heavens opened, yet the crowd stayed put and eagerly followed the riders as they made their way through to present the flag to St Mary's minister, the Rev Jennifer Macrae, shivering outside the historic kirk.

Within the church, a choir of children from The Compass School in Haddington - conducted by Renata Lockhart - then confidently performed a selection of Scottish ballads, including the premiere of The Saltire anthem, written especially for the event by award-winning musician Phil Cunningham.

Speaking to the Courier afterwards, Mr Cunningham said: "I don't mind admitting I was a bit tearful - I feel like a proud parent. The children did very well." A dismal afternoon of harsh winds and constant rain meant that the street party organisers had hoped would draw thousands to Haddington High Street, where a spectacular stage was set up for artists, was attended by little more than a handful of people.

However, the few determined spectators who did turn out danced and whirled in front of the stage despite the chilly downpour and performers did their best to warm the spirits of the crowd with words of encouragement between songs.

At 6pm, more than 400 people of all ages returned to St Mary's to enjoy a star-studded Scottish ceremony, hosted by Phil Cunningham and chosen by the First Minister as his venue of choice from a wide range of Homecoming Scotland events.

The hour-long concert featured the musical talents of acclaimed singer-songwriter Dougie Maclean, folk singer Karen Matheson and pupils from Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans, Musselburgh Grammar School, King's Meadow Primary School and The Compass School in Haddington. Readings were also delivered by the Rev Macrae, Provost Sheena Richardson and Haddington rocker Derek Dick, aka Fish, during the service.

In his address to The Saltire, the First Minister delivered a speech that was both entertaining, poignant and gained a round of appreciate applause from the audience.

On leaving the church, members of the audience were handed lit torches and gathered for the procession to the town centre, led by Haddington, North Berwick and Prestonpans Pipe Bands with Haddington Pipe Major, David Leckie and the Tartan Dholies drummers from Leith.

As the parade entered High Street, residents waved and cheered from their windows and the mood was warm and spirited, with the air filled with embers scattering from the torches raised high in the air by walkers. The evening crowd was estimated at 1,000 people.

The cold was forgotten as the First Minister made his way to a platform erected at the Mercat Cross and climbed the steps to raise The Saltire.

A huge cheer erupted as the flag was raised and Dougie Maclean took to the nearby stage to perform his iconic Scottish anthem, Caledonia. Descending from the platform, Mr Salmond was quickly surrounded by members of the public who wished to have their picture taken with the First Minister or shake his hand.

He told the Courier: "This is absolutely extraordinary and I was speaking to David Berry (East Lothian Council leader) about the possibility of making this an annual event as I think that the home of The Saltire should be celebrated.

"It's interesting because we started the Year of the Homecoming in Robert Burns' land in Dumfries and Galloway and I think this is an excellent way to end it, by celebrating in the place where The Saltire was born, because in a way it was where Scotland was born." A damp but uplifting evening was closed by a fantastic performance by Capercaillie.