Fans' flag day as giant Saltire goes on show

Published on Saturday 6 September 2003 01:00

THE world’s largest saltire was being officially unveiled today at the home of Scottish rugby.

The flag, which covers the same area as 11 double decker buses, was due to be presented to the national team ahead of their World Cup match against Ireland at Murrayfield.

It includes printed messages from more than 16,000 fans as well as hand-written messages from Sir Sean Connery, Ewan McGregor, Sir Alex Ferguson and First Minister Jack McConnell.

A total of 32 children from every region in Scotland were set to carry out the presentation at Murrayfield Stadium.

The 25x20 metre saltire will be taken to Australia and unfurled at Scotland’s opening World Cup tie there next month.

Fans have until September 20 to send in their own messages to be printed on the flag after rugby chiefs extended the original deadline.

Contributions have already been received from as far afield as the US, Canada, Cambodia, Venezuela, Vietnam, the Bahamas, Sri-Lanka, China, Cuba and Botswana.

Anyone can add their name and message to the flag via the Scottish Rugby website (www.sru.org.uk), sending a text message to 83200, by e-mail or by writing to Scottish Rugby’s marketing department.