VOTE: Four finalists chosen – now it's YOUR chance to pick Moray's next flag
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THE four finalists bidding to become Moray's new flag have been confirmed – now it's the public's chance to choose which one they want to represent them.
A total of 626 entries – from all over the world – were judged by a local committee at The Northern Scot's office, who whittled the field down to four.
Whichever of these four efforts receives the most public votes will officially be unveiled as Moray's flag at an event later this year.
Voting on the competition will be open for six weeks, from today (Tuesday, June 27) until Tuesday, August 8. Voting is available online at www.northern-scot.co.uk/moray-flag/
The entries
A
The green hoist and golden sheaf recall the rich agricultural output of the county, while the wavy blue and green reference the sea and sand of the coast.
This coastal meaning in turn represents the origin of the name Moray itself, coming from the Gaelic or Pictish indicating a connection with the sea.
B
The central golden colour recalls the agriculture of the area as well as the whisky industry, which is further referenced by the whisky pegoda which can be seen abundantly in this Speyside county.
The zig zag shape, together with the deep red-purple and sky blue colours recall the hills that surround the inland borders of the county.
C
The salmon represents both the in-land waterways such as the River Spey, but also the maritime fishing industry and the wider Moray Firth.
The salmon is also considered an animal important for its wisdom to the Picts, which refers to the richness of ancient sites across Moray.
D
This flag features the traditional stars associated with Moray as used by the ancient earldom and the former civic arms. These stars are placed on a background of dark blue and orange.
The blue also reflecting the heraldic traditions of the area, but the dark shade with the stars reflecting the noted dark skies of the region.
The wavy line and orange colour recall the River Spey and the famous whisky region that bears its name.
Why should you vote?
The flag will be flying over buildings locally for years to come, and it is hoped it will be seen on local food and drink packaging as a real symbol of Moray.
Moray's Lord Lieutenant Seymour Monro said: “This is a unique opportunity in Moray’s history to select a flag for the area.
"All four of these flags have links to Moray as our new flag needs to be identifiable as our flag.
"It is now so important that as many people as possible vote for the option they like so that the winner is clear and well-supported.
"Please vote and encourage your family and friends to vote too – wherever they may be living.”
Some of the flags have been designed by local primary school pupils, with some from abroad and some a mixture of two or more designs.
In the interest of fairness, no details on the flags' creators will be revealed until the winner hauls a flag up a flagpole in a few months time.
The winning flag will be registered with the Lyon Court and the Flag Institute's UK Flag Registry.
Moray's Depute Lieutenant Nancy Robson said: "It is exciting to watch the progress of the flag competition.
"The keen interest of schoolchildren and the public resulted in many colourful and inspiring entries.
"I look forward to learning which flag has captured the public vote and will honourably represent Moray at home and abroad.”
