Moray and Banffshire flag votes: 'It will instil a sense of pride'
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THE competitions to find new flags for Moray and Banffshire are drawing to a conclusion – with two weeks left to cast your vote.
Nearly 2000 people across the two regions have taken time to select their favourite flag from the four finalists since the competitions launched on June 27.
MORE: Moray flag vote and Banffshire flag vote
In Moray, just one single vote separates first place from second with more than 700 people having had their say, so every vote counts.
More than 1300 votes have been cast in Banffshire. Both votes close on Tuesday, August 8, at 5pm.
After the competitions received more than 1000 entries, four finalists for each vote were selected by a panel that met at The Northern Scot office in Elgin.
However, the public has 100 per cent of the power when it comes to selecting the winners. Both winners will be revealed at flag-raising events later in the summer.
Sarah Medcraf, chief executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce, believes a new flag for the region could increase recognition and "instil pride".
"We have such an interesting shortlist of flags for Moray," she said.
"Now is a really crucial time for the community to choose their winner and the future flag for our great region.
"The flag, once chosen, will be flown across the region and can be used on packaging on our great produce that originate here in Moray.
"It will instil a sense of pride and sew our region together through a design that was created right here in on our doorstep."
Banffshire's Lord Lieutenant Andrew Simpson said his area's flag will help represent Banffshire's "special identity".
"For centuries, individuals have shaped the heritage and identity of Banffshire," he said.
"The competition to design a flag for Banffshire gives us all an opportunity to make our mark.
"We are grateful to Philip Tibbetts, Scotland's leading expert in flags, for his input, and to our sponsors.
"Please vote and help choose a flag that will represent Banffshire's special identity both locally and to a wider audience."
To get involved with the vote, visit www.northern-scot.co.uk and select either 'Banffshire Flag Vote' or 'Moray Flag Vote' at the top of the page.
