Public set to design and choose new Moray and Banffshire flags, which will be unfurled in 2023
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MORAY and Banffshire Lieutenancies are set to unfurl brand-new flags this year – and locals are being given the chance to design them.
A competition inviting members of the public to create flags for both areas will launch on Monday, February 27, and run for four weeks.
Hundreds are expected to enter the competitions, which will close on Friday, March 24, before the field is whittled down to four finalists for each Lieutenancy by an expert panel.
The public will then again be involved as they choose their favourite. Winning flags will be registered with the Lyon Court and the Flag Institute's UK Flag Registry.
Contest winners will be invited to do the flag-raising honours at official launch ceremonies in Moray and Banffshire in late summer.
Andrew Simpson, Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, said: "Our rich historical, cultural and environmental heritage continues to impact on life in our local communities.
"The competitions to design flags for the Banffshire and Moray Lieutenancies provide an opportunity to recognise these special qualities.
"We are inviting everyone with an interest in our areas, both those resident in the historic counties and those living beyond, to contribute their designs for flags that can be used to promote and celebrate our communities."
Flag designs should be distinctive and relevant to Moray or Banffshire – but should also be simple enough for people to draw from memory.
Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Seymour Monro, added: "I love flags! I am sure that Moray should have its very own flag; it’s a great way of expressing our community pride.
"I am also sure that those taking part in the competition will consider Moray’s heritage, its lands and the sea, its businesses and produce, our wildlife and the vibrant colours we all enjoy up here.
"We need a flag that is clearly identifiable as belonging to Moray and then we can fly it proudly and cheerfully all over the county and perhaps use it on some of our products.”
Aberdeenshire will soon become the seventh county in Scotland to unveil its own flag – and, at the conclusion of this contest, Moray and Banffshire will become number eight and nine.
Prior to the competition's launch, vexillologist (flag expert) Phil Tibbetts is set to visit a number of schools and charities across the area to inspire youngsters to get involved.
Packs will be sent out to schools in the area – but people of all ages, with any link to Moray, are encouraged to enter and get involved.
Nancy Robson, Deputy Lieutenant of Moray, added: "A recognisable symbol of Moray pride will be a huge asset to business and tourism in the county.
"We are hoping for competition entries from throughout the county, across all ages and abilities, and perhaps further afield.
"Workshops will be held in the schools and communities to get the designing started. I’m looking forward to the competition, it will be exciting to see the shortlist."
Both Visit Moray Speyside and Moray Chamber of Commerce are backing the competitions, which will have their costs covered privately.
Details on how to enter will come before the launch, with people set to be able to pick up competition packs from towns across both counties or download them online.
The Northern Scot is set to collect both paper and digital submissions throughout the four weeks.
