POLITICIANS are being asked to ditch the Saltire as Scotland’s national flag because its “Christian symbolism” has little relevance to large sections of the population.

A motion being presented to the Scottish parliament will ask MSPs to approve a new “rainbow” flag that better reflects Scotland’s cultural and ethnic diversity.

Colin Fox, leader of the Scottish Socialist party, claims the Saltire, which features the cross of St Andrew — Scotland’s patron saint and one of Christ’s disciples — is a dated relic. He believes that Scotland, as a secular country inhabited by people from many different religions, should no longer have a Christian symbol as its national emblem.

The Saltire, one of the oldest flags in the world, has been used since 832AD, when St Andrew is said to have appeared in a vision to Angus MacFergus, the Pictish king, on the eve of the Battle of Athelstaneford against the Northumbrians. The colours represent white clouds in an azure sky.

Last year Jack McConnell, the first minister, ordered every public building in Scotland to fly the Saltire, which remains a firm favourite with fans at football and rugby internationals. However Fox believes it is an “anachronism” and that it is time for it to go.

“Who was St Andrew? He was someone who never came here, so his connection to Scotland is tenuous to say the least,” he said. “I’d like the Scotland of today to reflect the many different cultures here. Scotland now has a considerable Asian population and a small and important Chinese community, as well as Irish people. A flag that is blue does not convey the impression of a multitude of backgrounds and interests.”

Fox said Scotland should consider adopting a flag similar to the multicoloured emblem used by post-apartheid South Africa, dubbed the rainbow nation.

His suggestion has the support of the Humanist Society of Scotland, which said that after 1,000 years, it was time to consider a new flag.

“The relationship of St Andrew to Scotland is mythical,” said Ron McLaren, a spokesman for the society. “If we were going to redesign the flag, I would like it to incorporate the symbol of Europe, to indicate our wish to take a full part in its affairs.”

Chris Ballance, the arts and culture spokesman for the Green party said: “I think it would be interesting to have a debate on the subject. Greens aren’t interested in flag-waving nationalism but Scotland has changed and is changing and, whether that is grounds for having a new flag, should be up for debate.”

The Saltire is regarded as a loyalist symbol in Protestant areas of Northern Ireland. Three years ago it hit the headlines when the Scottish parliament set the optimum colour of the flag — as Pantone 300, sky blue — after purists and manufacturers complained that the shade varied widely.

The suggestion that it should be scrapped has provoked anger in some quarters. “Colin Fox’s proposal is absolute nonsense. The Saltire has a long association with Scotland and is part of our history. It is the most obvious symbol of Scotland,” said Ian Scott, chairman of the Saltire Society.

“I am appalled by any suggestion it should be downgraded or scrapped. The idea that Scotland should pretend that it hasn’t got a long Christian heritage is ludicrous.”

Bev Mayer, treasurer of the Perthshire branch of the Tartan Army, said: “We have a real emotional attachment to the Saltire. It is the internationally recognised symbol for Scotland and we’re very proud of it.

Ayub Khan, chairman of the Multi-Faith Coalition, which represents young Muslims, said he was proud to wear the Saltire. “Whenever I change my car I stick the Saltire badge on the back. I also wear the Saltire on my T-shirt when I go to Pakistan. “I have two identities, my first is as a Muslim, and my second as a Scot. I’m proud of the Saltire and don’t think it should be changed.”

• Bruce McFee, the Nationalist MSP, has called for the Union Jack to be banned from public buildings north of the border. The list MSP for the west of Scotland said the flag was associated with the suppression of Scots and should not be on display. This week fellow Nationalist Sandra White was forced to apologise after a press release issued in her name described the flag as a “butcher’s apron”.

The battle of the flag

Historians believe the Saltire dates back to AD832 when a Pictish army was fighting Northumbrian soldiers for control of part of eastern Scotland.

The night before the battle King Angus MacFergus saw a vision of St Andrew who promised him victory. Next day the soldiers saw a diagonal cross in the sky above the battlefield, which encouraged the Picts and Scots and frightened their enemy. A memorial to the “Battle of the Saltire” stands in the village of Athelstaneford, East Lothian, today.

The Saltire became the national emblem of the Scots from that time.

The Saltire was also seen on the nation’s first coins, introduced by King David I in the 12th century.

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