Winning entries for flag competitions in Moray and Banffshire to be unveiled
WINNING entries from competitions to design flags for Banffshire and Moray will be unveiled at a series of ceremonies on Saturday, October 28.
Competitions to find new flags were launched in February, with thousands of entries whittled down to four finalists in each lieutenancy area, by two panels of local stakeholders, before the public chose their favourite.
Winners will be on hand at Castle Hill, in Cullen, and Elgin Town Hall to hoist their designs proudly into the air and unveil new flags for both Moray and Banffshire.
The Banffshire flag will first be raised at the Cullen event at 11am and will then be raised with official events in Macduff (Tarlair Golf Course) at 2.30pm and Portsoy Harbour at 4pm.
Flags will be flying in Whitehills and Fordyce on Sunday. Events in Buckie and Keith due to take place in November.
The main Moray flag-raising will take place in Elgin at 2pm. There will be simultaneous flag-raising events in Forres (Tolbooth), Lossiemouth (Station Park), Fochabers (Milne's Primary) and Rothes (Glen Grant Distillery).
Lord-lieutenants will be in attendance in Cullen and Elgin, along with council representatives and vexillologist Philip Tibbetts.
Pipe bands are set to play at the vast majority of flag raisings. Buckie and District Pipe Band will play in Cullen, with Elgin and District Pipe Band to play at the town hall.
Moray's Vice Lord Lieutenant Nancy Robson said: "It will be exciting to see this beautiful Flag raised in five communities across Moray.
"The design was the public’s choice, and I hope people will recognise their flag, be proud of it and use it widely.
"The flag raising will be an inspiring and positive occasion for each community. Please come along to support this historic Moray event!”
Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire Andrew Simpson added: "I am confident that the new flag for Banffshire can be used to represent and promote our local identity for individuals, businesses, organisations and activities from across historic Banffshire."
Flag registration costs have already been met by generous donations from a number of local businesses.
