The St. Andrew’s Cross, formally known as the Saltire, is the national flag of Scotland and is recognized as one of the oldest national flags in continuous use. This heraldic device consists of a white diagonal cross set against a blue background, symbolizing the crucifixion of St. Andrew on an X-shaped cross. Reproducing this symbol across various media—from physical flags to digital devices and signage—requires adherence to specific, standardized dimensional ratios. Modern graphic and manufacturing consistency necessitates the application of clear, technical specifications.
Overall Proportions of the Scottish Saltire
The overall dimensions of the Saltire are defined by the ratio between its vertical edge (the hoist) and its horizontal edge (the fly). This relationship has resulted in multiple accepted formats. The Lord Lyon King of Arms, Scotland’s supreme heraldic authority, has historically sanctioned a ratio of 4:5 as suitable for the national banner. This 4:5 ratio is the officially recommended heraldic proportion.
However, more rectangular proportions are prevalent in common use, often influenced by other national flags and maritime tradition. Many flag manufacturers and the Scottish Parliament often utilize a 1:2 ratio, which aligns with the proportion of the Union Flag. The Ministry of Defence in the United Kingdom recommends a 3:5 ratio, which falls between the squarer 4:5 standard and the longer 1:2 tradition.
The 1:2 and 3:5 ratios are widely accepted and frequently seen in commercial and governmental applications. The choice of overall proportion dictates the final angle of the diagonal cross, but it does not change the fundamental thickness of the cross arms.
Official Ratios for Cross Arm Width
The most consistent dimension of the St. Andrew’s Cross is the width of the white diagonal stripes. This feature is standardized relative to the flag’s height, which is the hoist measurement. The established technical specification for the width of the Saltire’s arms is one-fifth (1/5th) of the height of the flag.
This measurement is taken perpendicular to the diagonal line of the cross arm, ensuring the width remains uniform. For example, a flag with a hoist of 100 centimeters requires a cross arm width of 20 centimeters. This 1:5 ratio is applied regardless of the overall hoist-to-fly proportion, meaning flags of the same height will always feature the same cross arm width.
The color of the background field is also standardized for accurate reproduction. Following recommendations made in 2003, the optimum shade of blue for the Saltire is Pantone 300. This brighter azure blue is intended to be distinct from the darker navy blue (Pantone 280) traditionally used for the Union Flag.
Application of Dimensions in Signs and Non-Flag Devices
When the St. Andrew’s Cross is adapted for use in non-flag contexts, such as on rigid signs, official seals, or digital logos, the fundamental dimensional rule is maintained. The primary goal in these “devices” is to preserve the visual weight of the cross arms. This is achieved by keeping the 1:5 ratio of the arm width relative to the device’s height.
This principle ensures the cross remains recognizable and proportionally correct, even when not in a traditional rectangular flag shape. For rigid signs, the Saltire can be simplified or abstracted for maximum visibility. The proportional rules still govern the visual impact of the cross width in non-flag media.
In digital and corporate applications, the Saltire is often rendered as a vector graphic to ensure infinite scalability. Designers creating square logos or circular emblems must still calculate the cross arm width as one-fifth of the available vertical space. Maintaining this proportional integrity is important for a device’s visual identity, ensuring the cross does not appear too thin or too thick regardless of the final medium’s aspect ratio.