EAST Lothian has long been associated as the birthplace of Scotland’s flag.
But earlier today, it was not the Saltire that was flying proud in Athelstaneford but instead the Star-Spangled Banner.
And while the sight outside Athelstaneford Parish Church probably resulted in a few double-takes, there was a perfectly reasonable explanation.
One member of the public contacted our sister paper the East Lothian Courier and – in a tongue-in-cheek reference to comments from incoming US president Donald Trump about absorbing other countries into the USA – said: “First Canada, then Greenland – now Athelstaneford?
“A rather surreal sight – Old Glory flying over Athelstaneford Kirk this afternoon.
"Has Trump bought us as well?”
However, David Johnston, from the Scottish Flag Trust, said: “It is in fact to mark that the Consul General from Edinburgh visited us earlier on today.
“We thought it would be nice to put the flag up.”
It is understood that the Saltire will soon return to its familiar place.
