Flag flying on government buildings: 2026

Flag flying dates

These guidelines apply to the Scottish Government, its related agencies and associated departments.

Key: flags to be flown in the formation detailed below

SAH = St Andrew's House

A - by Royal assent, for Royal birthdays and anniversaries the Royal Banner (superior) and the Saltire may be flown at SAH - as the principal Scottish Government building - or at another Scottish Government building when the First Minister is present (see note 8 in the guidance section).

B - Saltire, or two Saltires if building has two or more flagpoles..

By Royal assent, for St. Andrew's Day, the Royal Banner (superior) and the Saltire may be flown at SAH - as the principal Scottish Government building - or at another Scottish Government building when the First Minister is present (see note 8 in the guidance section).

C - Remembrance Day

Union Flag and Saltire or Saltires if the building has more than two flagpoles.

D - Red Ensign if building has one flagpole.

Red Ensign and Saltire if building has two or more flagpoles.

E - Armed Forces Day flag if building has one flagpole.

Armed Forces Day flag and Saltire if building has two or more flagpoles.

F - Progress Pride flag if building has one flagpole.

Progress Pride flag and Saltire if building has two or more flagpoles.

G - European flag if building has one flagpole.

European flag and Saltire if building has two or more flagpoles.

H - Commonwealth flag if building has one flagpole.

Commonwealth flag and Saltire if building has two or more flagpoles.

I - On this day, the Saltire(s) should be hoisted right up and then lowered to half-mast for the day. (see note 9** in the guidance section)

J - Autistic Pride flag and Saltire should be flown from SAH only.

K - Transgender flag should be flown if building has one flagpole.

Transgender flag and Saltire if building has two or more flag poles.

L - World AIDS Day flag and Saltire should be flown from SAH only.

Notes

1. Scottish Government (SG) main buildings which have four flag poles:

• should fly the Saltire and European flag
• plus flags indicated in the schedule
• St Andrews House will fly the Ukrainian Flag when possible

On buildings that only have one flagpole, one of the following flags should be flown:

• Progress Pride
• Commonwealth
• European
• Autistic Pride
• Armed Forces Day
• Red Ensign
• Transgender
• World AIDS Day

Where a building has two or more flagpoles, the Saltire should also be flown.

2. Dates advised annually for 2026:

• Commonwealth Day is 9 March
• Official Celebration of His Majesty’s Birthday is 13 June
• Edinburgh Pride is TBC
• Armed Forces Day is 27 June
• Glasgow Pride is TBC

3. Usually the second Sunday of the month. The date for Remembrance Sunday is 8 November.

Additionally:

• some dates are listed as to be confirmed until confirmed
• the guidance will be updated accordingly
• the First Minister has instructed that the European flag is flown from SG buildings. This will be on a daily basis except for specific flag flying dates
• the Ukrainian flag is being flown from St Andrews House when possible for the duration of the conflict in that country

Guidance

Contact

Email: protocolandhonours@gov.scot
Tel. 0131 244 3403

Protocol and Honours Team
4N.01, St. Andrew’s House
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG