ONE of Scotland’s most celebrated historians has been announced as patron of the Scottish Flag Trust.

Sir Tom Devine visited Athelstaneford, the birthplace of Scotland’s national flag, the Saltire, recently as he took up his new position.

Mr Devine, the Sir William Fraser Professor Emeritus at the University of Edinburgh, takes over the role from the late Winnie Ewing.

He said: “Everyone in Scotland, no matter their political outlook, can support Scotland’s Saltire and back the restoration of this important site.

“With Euro 2024 a few months away, there is no better time to rally behind Scotland’s Saltire – it is a symbol of which all Scots can be rightly proud.

“I am honoured to become patron of the Scottish Flag Trust in succession to Dr Ewing and lend my enthusiastic support to the fundraising efforts under way now and in the future.”

The Scottish Flag Trust was set up in 1984 to promote the use of the Saltire, one of the oldest national flags in Europe, and is responsible for the establishment and upkeep of the Flag Heritage Centre in Athelstaneford and the Saltire Memorial.

The announcement comes at a busy time for the charity as St Andrew’s Day, November 30, next year will be the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of the Saltire Memorial in Athelstaneford Parish Church.

The trust is midway though fundraising for a series of major projects to transform the visitor attraction, and is also working to implement a new landscape masterplan and renovation of the Saltire Memorial.

The work is being funded through crowdfunded donations at saltire.scot

David Williamson, trust chairperson, said: “The trust is delighted to have Sir Tom as our new patron as we continue our ambitious programme of restoration and renewal at the birthplace of Scotland’s national flag.”