VOTERS will soon get their chance to pick their favourite design to become East Lothian’s official civic flag.

The competition to design a unique flag for East Lothian, launched last November, attracted more than 600 entries – the most in any civic flag design competition in Scotland.

And it wasn’t just county residents, either – there were entrants from as far afield as the USA and New Zealand.

Judging began in March and the final designs will be chosen by the end of this month before a four week-long public vote is held next month.

The winning design will be made into a flag, and registered with the Lord Lyon, before being revealed around St Andrew’s Day in November.

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Provost, said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed that we received so many entries of such a high standard.

“We will be in touch with everyone who took the time to submit a design in due course and the public vote will be launched soon. I hope as many people as possible will vote for their favourite so we can have an East Lothian flag to be proud of.”

David Williamson, chairman of the Scottish Flag Trust, added: “The response to the competition has been tremendous, especially from East Lothian schools, so a big thank you is due.”

The final designs will be available to view and vote on at council offices, through the pages and website of the Courier – partners in the competition – and on East Lothian Council’s website.