Flag flying on government buildings: 2024
Guidance for flag flying on Scottish Government buildings on significant dates.
Flag flying dates
These guidelines apply to the Scottish Government, its related agencies and associated departments.
2024 date |
Event |
Flag |
1 February |
Start of LGBT History Month (see note 1) |
F |
11 March |
Commonwealth Day (see notes 1 and 2) |
H |
9 April |
Anniversary of His Majesty’s Wedding Day |
A |
28 April |
International Workers Memorial Day |
I |
6 May | The King's Coronation Day | A |
9 May |
Europe Day (see note 1) |
G |
17 May |
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (see note 1) |
F |
15 June |
Official Celebration of The King’s Birthday |
A |
18 June |
Autistic Pride Day (see note 1) |
J |
21 June | Birthday of The Duke of Rothesay | A |
22 June |
Edinburgh Pride |
F |
29 June | Armed Forces Day (see notes 1 and 2) | E |
17 July |
Birthday of The Queen |
A |
20 July |
Glasgow Pride |
F |
3 September |
Merchant Navy Day (see note 1) |
D |
8 September |
Anniversary of Accession |
A |
10 November |
Remembrance Day (see note 3) |
C |
14 November |
Birthday of His Majesty The King |
A |
20 November |
Transgender Remembrance Day |
K |
30 November |
St. Andrew’s Day |
B |
1 December |
World AIDS Day (see note 1) |
L |
Key: flags to be flown in the formation detailed below
SAH = St Andrew's House
A - by Royal assent, for Royal birthdays and anniversaries the Royal Banner (superior) and the Saltire may be flown at SAH - as the principal Scottish Government building - or at another Scottish Government building when the First Minister is present (see note 8 in the guidance section).
B - Saltire, or two Saltires if building has two or more flagpoles..
By Royal assent, for St. Andrew's Day, the Royal Banner (superior) and the Saltire may be flown at SAH - as the principal Scottish Government building - or at another Scottish Government building when the First Minister is present (see note 8 in the guidance section).
C - Remembrance Day
Union Flag and Saltire or Saltires if the building has more than two flagpoles.
D - Red Ensign if building has one flagpole.
Red Ensign and Saltire if building has two or more flagpoles.
E - Armed Forces Day flag if building has one flagpole.
Armed Forces Day flag and Saltire if building has two or more flagpoles.
F - Progress Pride flag if building has one flagpole.
Progress Pride flag and Saltire if building has two or more flagpoles.
G - European flag if building has one flagpole.
European flag and Saltire if building has two or more flagpoles.
H - Commonwealth flag if building has one flagpole.
Commonwealth flag and Saltire if building has two or more flagpoles.
I - On this day, the Saltire(s) should be hoisted right up and then lowered to half-mast for the day. (see note 9** in the guidance section)
J - Autistic Pride flag and Saltire should be flown from SAH only.
K - Transgender flag should be flown if building has one flagpole.
Transgender flag and Saltire if building has two or more flag poles.
L - World AIDS Day flag and Saltire should be flown from SAH only.
Notes
1. Scottish Government (SG) main buildings which have four flag poles:
- should fly the Saltire and European flag
- plus flags indicated in the schedule
- St Andrews House will fly the Ukrainian Flag when possible
On buildings that only have one flagpole, one of the following flags should be flown:
- Progress Pride
- Commonwealth
- European
- Autistic Pride
- Armed Forces Day
- Red Ensign
- Transgender
- World AIDS Day
Where a building has two or more flagpoles, the Saltire should also be flown.
2. Dates advised annually for 2024:
- Commonwealth Day is 11 March
- Official Celebration of His Majesty’s Birthday is 15 June
- Edinburgh Pride is 22 June
- Armed Forces Day is 29 June
- Glasgow Pride is 20 July
3. Usually the second Sunday of the month. The date for Remembrance Sunday is 10th November.
Additionally:
- some dates are listed as to be confirmed until confirmed
- the guidance will be updated accordingly
- the First Minister has instructed that the European flag is flown from SG buildings. This will be on a daily basis except for specific flag flying dates
- the Ukrainian flag is being flown from St Andrews House when possible for the duration of the conflict in that country
Contact
Email: protocolandhonours@gov.scot
Tel. 0131 244 3403
Protocol and Honours Team
4N.01, St. Andrew’s House
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
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