Scotland

:For other uses, see Scotland (disambiguation). See also British Isles (terminology).

National Symbols

Scotland has many national symbols.

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• The Flag of Scotland dates from the 9th century making it one of the oldest flags in the world. It now forms part of the Union Flag, the national flag of the United Kingdom. However the Flag of Scotland, known as the Saltire or St Andrew's Cross can be found flying all over Scotland.
• A banner showing the old royal arms of the Kings of Scotland is also frequently to be seen, particuarly at sporting events involving a Scottish team. Often called the lion rampant (after its chief heraldic device), it is the property of the Queen and its use by anybody else is technically illegal. (She, however, never uses it on its own today, using instead the Royal Standard in which it is quartered with her other arms.)
• The unicorn is also used as a symbol of Scotland. The Royal Coat of Arms of Scotland, used prior to 1603 by the Kings of Scotland, incorporated a lion rampant shield supported by two unicorns. On the union of the crowns, the Arms were quartered with those of England and Ireland, and one unicorn was replaced by a lion (the supporters of England).
• The thistle, the national flower of Scotland, features in many Scottish symbols and logos, and UK currency. The thistle is used as the emblem of the Scottish Rugby team.