Sky-high hopes for Saltire snaps

TIME'S running out for avid snappers to lodge their best photo of a celestial Saltire.

There are four weeks until the deadline in the contest, run by the Scottish Flag Trust, which asks entrants to capture a likeness of the Scottish flag in the heavens, for the chance of a 500 cash prize.

Legend has it that the Saltire originated in Athelstaneford in East Lothian just before a battle pitting the Scots against the English in 832AD.

The Scots forces saw a white cross - similar to the one used to crucify St Andrew - made clouds in the sky, and when they won the battle they adopted the lucky emblem.

David Williamson, Scottish Flag Trust chairman, said: "People have been coming up to me saying they saw a fantastic Saltire formed by clouds or vapour trails, but didn't have their camera with them."

He added: "The answer is to keep a camera handy."