A RALLYING call has been issued to East Lothian businesses, asking for their help to protect the story of the Saltire.

A major restoration and redevelopment of the Flag Heritage Centre in Athelstaneford, near where the Saltire was first seen in the sky during a battle in 832AD, is currently under way.

Following the renovation of the 16th-century doo’cot behind the village’s parish church, which houses a display telling the story of the flag, work is about to start on upgrading the paths.

Dave Williamson, The Scottish Flag Trust convener, said: “We are hoping to replace the uneven gravel paths leading to the doocot with resin-bound walkways with stones inserted, telling the story of the flag.

“Visitors to the battle memorial at the front of the church sometimes do not realise there is the doocot display at the back and these proposed new paths will lead visitors to the rear.

“I am making this appeal directly to the biggest businesses in the county.

“Of course, they do so much for East Lothian in terms of employment and prestige but we think they will relish the chance to help further enhance this important part of our nation’s history.”

The generosity of contributing businesses will be recorded in the book of the Saltire, just as the donors who backed the original appeal to create the attraction in the 1960s are remembered.

Mr Williamson added: “Over the years, many thousands of people have visited Athelstaneford and learned about the history of Europe’s oldest flag.

“The huge interest there is in the Saltire is also reflected in the number of people who have signed up to sponsor the flag flying at Athelstaneford to mark a particular day that is important to the sponsor.

“Details of the next stage in the development of the site can be found on our website at Saltire.scot”