PUBLIC buildings in Scotland will be allowed to fly the Saltire year-round following a government climbdown in response to pressure from nationalists.

UK ministers will this week announce the lifting of restrictions on flag flying that have been in force since 1924. The rules stipulate that the Union Jack must must take precedence over all national flags on 18 days each year.

Scottish government buildings with only one flagpole must take down the Saltire and replace it with the Union Jack on specified national days including the Queen's birthday, Remembrance Day and Commonwealth Day. The decision to give the Saltire equal status has been welcomed by the Scottish National party. “It's a recognition that we are in charge of our flag flying arrangements,” said a senior Scottish government source.

“It's a welcome outbreak of common sense from Gordon Brown. Hopefully, he will now rule out other daft ideas such as schoolchildren swearing an oath of loyalty to the UK.”

The new policy, which will apply to UK and Scottish government buildings, is part of a package of measures designed to boost national identity by flying flags on public buildings.

Schools are expected to be allowed to fly the flag at half-mast to mark the death of a pupil, teacher or local figure. Until now flags could be flown at half-mast only after a special order from the Queen.

Christine Grahame, the Nationalist MSP, said: “Gordon Brown is back peddling. One minute he getting us to swear oaths of allegiance to Great Britain, and the next he's saying we can fly the Saltire.”

Additional reporting: Helen Brooks