Birthplace of the Scottish Saltire

Wednesday morning I was cycling in East Lothian (again). This time cycling through Athelstaneford, the birthplace of the Scottish Saltire. In 832AD, Óengus II led an army of Picts and Scots against the Angles led by Æthelstan. The legend states that whilst engaged in prayer on the eve of battle, Óengus vowed that if granted victory he would appoint Saint Andrew as the Patron Saint of Scotland; Andrew then appeared to Óengus that night in a dream and assured him of victory. On the morning of battle white clouds forming the shape of an X were said to have appeared in the sky. Óengus and his combined force, emboldened by this apparent divine intervention, took to the field and despite being inferior in terms of numbers were victorious. (wikipedia) Óengus honoured his pre-battle pledge and duly appointed Saint Andrew as the Patron Saint of Scotland.

The extra shows the National Flag Heritage Centre, next to the flag.

From here, I cycled down to Aberlady, and then back home . It seemed a lot windier than the flag seems to be indicating. I earned my afternoon coffee and cake.