Countries have flags as they act as symbols of their nation that - in theory - hold similar beliefs, goals and commitment to laws within a defined territory. However, if history teaches us anything it's that morals (as well as borders) can change sporadically and so many countries have had a wealth of different flag designs.
Diplo reports that Afghanistan alone has changed flags a whopping 30 times in the last 100 years. But what about Scotland? Well, as a country with a rich and sometimes dark history our many islands, regions, cities, organisations, royalty and more have seen a myriad of flag designs hoisted high into the bonnie Scottish sky.
Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of twenty-nine flags used in Scotland, where they are raised and what they represent.
25. Flag of the Church of Scotland
The emblem of a burning bush echoes the teachings of 16th century theologist and preacher John Calvin who saw this icon as representative of the people of God. Photo: Hogweard via WikiCommons
26. Flag of the Scottish Jacobite Party
The Scottish Jacobite party was a political party registered back in 2005, their flag design is reminiscent of the current flag of Scotland but the cross is defined by two white blades. Photo: Scottish Jacobite Party via WikiCommons
27. Standard of Bonnie Prince Charlie
A red flag, surrounded by a blue border, with a white square in the centre containing the White Rose of York. It was raised at Glenfinnan on 19 August, 1745, which signalled the start of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Photo: MrPenguin20 via WikiCommons
28. Standard of Prince Philip
This is the Royal Standard of Prince Philip (1952-2021) the Duke of Edinburgh, the first quarter represents Denmark, the second Greece, the third the Mountbatten family and the last Edinburgh itself. Photo: via WikiCommons