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Sign of approval for flag from historic authority


By SPP Reporter

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Lord Lieutenant Dr Monica Main (left) and Vice Lieutenant Colin Gilmour.
Lord Lieutenant Dr Monica Main (left) and Vice Lieutenant Colin Gilmour.

The idea was first mooted four months ago and a steering group has been working behind the scenes to lay the groundwork for the project.

An open competition to select a winning design is to be officially launched on August 21. The timing is to coincide with the new school term – it is hoped pupils will play a leading part in designing a new flag.

Behind the exciting scheme is Sutherland’s Lord Lieutenancy team, headed by Lord Lieutenant Dr Monica Main, a retired GP and Brora resident.

The team held an initial meeting in early April when it was decided to go ahead and a steering group, with Dr Main as chairwoman, was formed.

It was felt a county flag would serve to unify communities and give a sense of identity.

The steering group finalised matters at a meeting at Drummuie earlier this month.

Penrith-based flag expert Philip Tibbetts, who volunteers with the UK’s national flag charity, the Flag Institute, is providing help and support.

Only four Scottish counties currently boost their own flags. Shetland was the first to have its officially recognised in 2005 followed by Orkney in 2007. Caithness and Kirkcudbrightshire both registered their flags in 2016.

In contrast, of the 39 English counties, 35 have recognised flags.

The Lord Lyon had to be approached for his permission. One of the most powerful heraldic courts in the world, the Court of the Lord Lyon dates from the Middle Ages and records all arms and corresponding flags in a register.

Vice-Lord Lieutenant Colin Gilmour, Rosehall, who is secretary of the flag steering group, said: "The go ahead for the project has been given by the Lord Lyon, as the winning design will be officially registered as the Sutherland flag within the register of the Lyon Court."

Mr Gilmour said the competition would be launched on August 21 with a deadline of September 29.

He said: "A flag steering group which includes three youth members, has now finalised the guidelines and entry proforma for the competition.

"Individuals, primary and secondary school classes – and individual pupils – and other groups such as youth groups will all be encouraged to enter and create a design in line with the competition’s guidelines and terms and conditions."

The steering group hope to receive at least 200 entries, which will be winnowed out in October by a selection panel with the final winner being picked by a judging panel.

Mr Gilmour said: "It is hoped that Philip Tibbetts will visit some secondary schools in late August to give a presentation which will help to guide people through flag design."

Mr Tibbetts said: "It is very exciting to see that the Sutherland flag competition is due to become a reality after months of hard work and leading the charge for community flags across Scotland.

"I am greatly looking forward returning to Sutherland and working with the county’s school pupils on the history and design of flags".

More details about the competition and how to enter will be in the August 18 edition of The Northern Times.


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