Douglas Alexander MP has attended a special St Andrew’s Day Saltire Service at Athelstaneford Parish Church to mark the 60th anniversary of the Saltire Memorial.
Mr Alexander gave a reading at the service, which also saw the Scottish Flag Trust launch a fundraising campaign for a new Saltire Monument to replace the existing memorial.
Designed by the award-winning architects Simpson and Brown with artist Tim Chalk, the proposed monument will feature a world map, etched in stone, linking Scotland to the many Saltire and St Andrew Societies around the world.
Douglas Alexander MP said:
“Athelstaneford holds a special place in Scotland’s story as the birthplace of the Saltire. East Lothian itself is a community rich in history and pride, and that spirit will be at the heart of this year’s Saint Andrew’s Day gathering.
“I welcome the work of the Scottish Flag Trust and the local community in preserving this important site and in ensuring that the Saltire remains a symbol of welcome and belonging for all.”
Find out more about the fundraising campaign for the new memorial at www.saltire.scot.