Folklore & legend

The Saltire Vision at Athelstaneford

Athelstaneford

Traditionally 832 or 823

Wikipedia's article on the village gives the legend: Saint Andrew, who was crucified on a diagonal cross, came to the Pictish king in a vision promising victory, and the soldiers saw a white cross formed by clouds in the sky the next morning. The Picts then adopted it as their flag and took Andrew as patron.

Wikipedia also stresses that there is considerable doubt as to the basic historic facts. It questions whether the king was Oengus II or Oengus I, and whether the opposing leader was really called Athelstan or was instead King Athelstan, who invaded Scotland in 934, more than a century after the traditional date. The East Lothian article gives the year as 823.

The village has a National Flag Heritage Centre in a 1583 doocot and a Saltire Trail through local landmarks.

Evidence
Disputed or debunked
Access
Open ground
Location
55.987, -2.747 (Sited to the village)

Sources: Wikipedia, "Athelstaneford" [other]; Wikipedia, "East Lothian" [other]

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