SCOTLAND'S flag heritage centre reopened on Tuesday following a £100,000 restoration to the building.
The renovation is the first in a series of major improvements planned for the centre which is housed in the 16th century Hepburn doocot.
The site is based in the East Lothian village of Athelstaneford, known as the birthplace of Scotland’s flag as legend has it that a white satire appeared above an army of Picts and Scots that inspired them to victory against an army of Angles and Saxons.
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The successful restoration has secured the building for the future with extensive exterior repairs carried out by specialists using traditional techniques.
And the restoration and renewal project will see a new accessible pathway with an interpretive timeline telling the history and adoption of Scotland's national flag from 834AD to the present.
Another new feature of the renovations is landscaping and engraved paving around the saltire memorial that tells the story of St Andrew's and Scot's societies across the globe.
Megan Leishman, grants manager at Historic Environment Scotland (HES) said: “HES are delighted to have been able to support the Scottish Flag Trust in their repair of the Hepburn doocot and hope that many more people will be able to visit and enjoy this important national site for years to come”
David Williamson, chair of the Scottish Flag Trust, said: “This has been a major project and great to see the building restored and looking its best. With the building secure we hope the public will get behind our funding drive at saltire.scot to radically improve the birthplace of Scotland’s flag.”
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