Tragedy helps an isle to get its f lag
SCOTS islanders have won official recognition for their flag after a lengthy campaign gathered pace following the Manchester terror attack.
Last December, a meeting was held to discuss getting the Isle of Barra’s flag submitted to the Lyon Court, the heraldic authority for Scotland.
Having been championed locally, the project gained significance after Eilidh MacLeod, 14, of the island, was killed in the Ariana Grande concert blast. The announcement comes six months after the attack which killed 22 people.
Philip Tibbetts of the Flag Institute said: ‘It is wonderful to see the Barra flag achieve official recognition with the Lyon Court.
‘In this past year Barra has shown the importance a flag can have for its community – not only as a celebration but also as a symbol to rally around. I am sure it will serve as a powerful example to the many other communities thinking of developing their own flag to promote their own identity.’
The distinctive green and white Nordic cross has been widely used on the island for decades.
It was also draped over Eilidh’s coffin when her body was brought back to the island for her funeral.
Her friend Laura MacIntyre was seriously injured in the attack.
Barra follows South Uist, which became the first island in the Outer Hebrides to have an official flag.
The project was pursued by the island’s two community councils, after an initial meeting headed by Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan.
He said: ‘When I originally held an exploratory meeting on this subject, it was felt that recognition of the flag would help to boost the island’s marketing efforts as well as celebrate its unique identity.
‘I look forward to seeing some of the benefits this will bring.’
Funding for the campaign was provided by community charity Barra and Vatersay Voluntary Action.