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Many symbols have been important to Scotland through history but some stand out as more important than others and have survived to modern times.
Scotland is not an independent country so as such does not have a flag. Most consider the Scottish flag is the cross of St. Andrew, also known as the Saltire. It is said to be one of the oldest national flags of any country, dating back at least to the 12th century. Rampant Lion
There is a second flag which is associated with Scotland, the "Rampant Lion," or Royal Flag of Scotland. Although based on an older Scottish flag than the St. Andrew's Cross, it should, strictly speaking, now only be used by the monarch in relation to her capacity as Queen in Scotland¹. However, it is widely used as a second national flag. It was the flag under which Robert the Bruce rallied the forces to make Scotland free of England. More information on both flags can be found here. The Scottish Thistle
The Thistle is the Flower of Scotland. Ever present in fields and pastures throughout Scotland, the thistle has been an emblem of Scotland for centuries. The first use as a royal symbol was on silver coins issued by James III in 1470, and the Order of the Thistle was founded by James VII in 1687. It features in the carvings of castles and abbeys, walls and gates, and in the elaborately trimmed hedges of Scottish Renaissance gardens. During the reign of King Alexander III (1241-1285) of Scotland, King Haakon of Norway attempted to conquer Scotland. According to the legend, the Norsemen tried a sneak attack at night on the Scottish camp at Largs. The Norsemen were barefoot and they stepped on thistles. As they cried out in pain, the Scots were alerted and the attack was rebuffed. The Norwegian king withdrew his army and the thistle became the Scottish national symbol. You can find a good picture of the Scottish Thistle here. National Song The final symbol most countries have is a song. Scotland currently does not have an official song but one very much in contention is Flower of Scotland. A page which puts all of these elements together for Scotland lovers is Scotland's Flag is Flying High.
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