THE Flag Heritage Centre in Athelstaneford will reopen its doors to the public on Saturday after four months of lockdown-enforced closure, its trustees have announced.

The interpretative centre, housed in a converted 16th-century doocot to the rear of the village’s parish church, was unable to open for the visitor season at the start of April due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It is the first time in more than 20 years that the four-star visitor attraction, telling the story of the Saltire, has had to remain closed.

The centre trustees said that health and safety precautions were being put in place to protect visitors.

Details regarding physical distancing and the number of people who are allowed to enter the building will be displayed at the centre.

Trust chair David Williamson said: “The trust has had a number of enquiries as to when the centre would be reopening, and there is obviously public interest in being able to come to this historic site.

“Visitors particularly enjoy the audio-visual dramatisation of the ninth-century battle in which a white saltire, the cross of the patron saint, against a blue sky led to the adoption of Scotland’s national flag.”

The centre will be open from 9am until 6pm every day until the end of October.

Admission is free.