THE US Consul General marked St Andrew’s Day by celebrating the links between Scotland and America, and visiting the birthplace of the Saltire.
Jack Hillmeyer, who represents the United States in Edinburgh, travelled to Athelstaneford, East Lothian, to see the US flag being flown at the Saltire Memorial.
According to tradition, the Saltire first originated close to the village following a Battle during the Dark Ages.
Scotland’s flag flies in the church yard all year round and is floodlit at night –other flags are rarely flown.
"It was a great honour to be in Athelstaneford on St Andrew's Day and it was a tremendous honour to have the Stars and Stripes flown at the Saltire Memorial,” the US Consul General said after his visit. “It shows the depth of friendship of our two nations especially on this beautiful St Andrew's Day.”
READ MORE: Athelstaneford: The Saltire has a history – we must preserve its legacy
The chair of Scottish Flag Trust, David Williamson, said he’d been “delighted” to host Hillmeyer and fly the US flag to symbolise the connection between America and Scotland.
He went on: “The Scottish Flag Trust has recently launched an international fundraising drive to restore and renew the birthplace of the Saltire with interest already shown from Saltire and clan societies in the USA.”
Williamson suggested supporters check out saltire.scot where they can sponsor the flag for a day for themselves or a loved one, with money going to help restore and renew the historic site.
The show of ties between the US and Scotland comes after Scotland hosted the COP26 global climate summit. During the event, Nicola Sturgeon spoke with and received a gift from US president Joe Biden.
The First Minister also shared a meeting with the US congressional delegation, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. They discussed the “strong ties of friendship between Scotland and the US, and how we can work together to achieve the Paris Agreement goals and gender equality in climate change”.
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