National Flag Heritage Centre, Athelstaneford
The small East Lothian village of Athelstaneford was the birthplace of the Saltire, Scotland’s national flag. The Saltire, also known as St Andrew’s Cross, is the oldest flag in Europe.
It originated during the 9th century battle between Picts and Angles from Northumbria, who fought in the fields near Athelstaneford around the year AD 832. The history of the battle is told in the National Flag Heritage Centre, a small museum housed in a historic 16th century doocot behind the church of Athelstaneford.
The doocot, north of the church, was built in 1583 by George Hepburn. Within the doocot is a audio visual presentation of the 9th century battle above which the St Andrew’s Cross first appeared in the sky.
Tony Carter, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints visited the category B listed doocot in January 2022. A comprehensive specification was produced for KEIM Royalan Dilution to be applied as a first coat onto the new lime render, to reduce porosity. KEIM Royalan, in colour 9108, was then used, followed by a final coat of KEIM Soldalit, in a bespoke colour KS01 0225.
KEIM Royalan was specified due to the exposed location of the project. It has been formulated to withstand harsh weather conditions. The top coat, KEIM Soldalit, was recommended to meet the colour match requirement.
