New flags for Moray and Banffshire to be unveiled at public ceremonies in a series of towns
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NEW flags for Moray and Banffshire will be unveiled at public ceremonies at the end of the month.
Competitions to find new flags were launched back in February, with thousands of entries whittled down to four finalists in each lieutenancy area by two panels of local stakeholders.
Members of the public voted for their favourite flag in both Moray and Banffshire, with a winner having been crowned in each area.
Winners – who will be revealed on the day – have been invited to unveil their design by hoisting it up a flag pole on Saturday, October 28.
The main flag-raising event for Banffshire's new flag will take place at Castle Hill in Cullen at 11am, while Moray's new flag will be pulled up a pole outside Elgin Town Hall at 2pm.
There will be a series of simultaneous Moray flag-raising events in Forres (Tolbooth), Lossiemouth (Station Park), Fochabers (Milne's Primary) and at at least one other unconfirmed location in the Moray lieutenancy area.
A number of Banffshire communities will also host flag-raising events. Exact locations will be confirmed closer to the time.
Andrew Simpson, Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire, said: "The designs to produce a flag for Banffshire were created by young people and reflected different aspects of the historic county.
"I was very encouraged by the number of people who voted in the competition. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and helped to ensure that the winning design has widespread support.
"I am greatly looking forward to unveiling the flag that received the most votes. This design will then be available for anyone to use to promote the local identity of historic Banffshire, which remains important for many in our communities."
The main flag raising ceremonies – in Cullen and Elgin – will be attended by vexillologist Philip Tibbets, who will give a presentation in his Lyon Court finery. Lord lieutenants will also be in attendance.
Pipe bands will perform and hundreds of schoolchildren – many of whom got involved with the competitions – will be invited along to ceremonies.
Nancy Robson, Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Moray, said: "It will be exciting to see the Moray flag revealed at the top of five flagpoles around Moray on the 28th.
"The flag was selected by a public vote after a large number of entries was received. We hope Moray will be proud of its flag and we encourage people to use the flag widely in the community.”
The flag registration costs have already been met by generous donations from a number of local businesses.
