Humza Yousaf has demanded that the European flag be flown daily from Scottish Government buildings
Scotland’s First Minister is following in the footsteps of his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon with that request.
Scottish Conservative deputy spokesperson for the constitution, external affairs and culture Alexander Stewart MSP said: “Humza Yousaf – just like his predecessor – clearly wants to play petty politics on the issue of flags.
“It is hardly surprising that he wants to distract from his scandal-ridden party and his government’s incompetence on a whole host of issues.
“During a global cost-of-living crisis, Scots want the SNP focused on their real priorities, rather than spending time and money on these sort of gestures.”
Official guidance published on Monday states: “The First Minister has instructed that the European flag is flown from [Scottish Government] buildings. This will be on a daily basis except for specific flag flying dates.”
The Union flag to be hoisted just once a year on Remembrance Day.
All the main buildings which have four poles will fly the Saltire and European flag, alongside ones indicated in a schedule, as well as the Ukrainian one when possible for as long as the war is ongoing.
The other flags to be flown alongside the Saltire on single days are the Commonwealth Flag, the Armed Forces Day Flag and the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day.
All requests to fly flags must be cleared in advance by Mr Yousaf and through the Protocol and Honours Team
A row broke out in October after the Scottish Parliament refused to fly Israel’s flag in solidarity with the country following the Hamas atrocities
Following a change requested some years ago by Alex Salmond, Scottish Government buildings now fly the Royal Banner on Royal birthdays and occasions.
This is the yellow flag with a red lion in the middle of it, and this will feature on seven days in 2024, including the late Queen’s birthday and her death date (known as the Accession).
These guidelines only apply to the SNP Executive and its related agencies, with local authorities allowed to decide their own flag-flying policy.
