A public vote has been launched in Sutherland to help choose the final design for the community’s new flag.
The Sutherland Flag Committee decided to open the vote up to residents earlier this month following backlash over the committee’s original chosen design, made up of a swooping eagle on a yellow and red background with three stars or mullets.
The original design was chosen from more than 350 entries received during the competition.
Voters will be able to choose between four individual designs featuring a wide range of symbols, colours and emblems, including the eagle, stars, a wildcat and a Nordic Cross.
All four entries meet the design requirements and have all been approved by The Flag Institute and the Lord Lyon.
All participants must live and work within the Sutherland district and are being encouraged to include their name and address for validation.
Voting will remain open until Monday, November 26, and can be completed online or by sending a letter or postcard indicating your choice, name and postcode.
The winning design will be revealed at an unveiling event following the vote, after which it can be freely used by the public and businesses as a flag to be flown or an emblem on produce.
Philip Tibbetts, Honorary Vexillologist to the Court of the Lord Lyon said: “I look forward to seeing which design the public choose and fully commend the competition organisers for setting this vote up so rigorously. This vote follows the highest standards used elsewhere and brings the whole competition in line with the others in Scotland to date. All the finalists will make superb, bold flags and they showcase the rich range of heritage that the county enjoys”.
