New Scottish Parliament should fly the Scottish flag

11.29.14am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 8th Oct 2004

Saltire flag should fly above Scottish Parliament

Liberal Democrat MSP Iain Smith is calling for the Scottish Parliament to fly the Saltire, Union flag and EU flag permanently.

In a Motion submitted to the Scottish Parliament, Mr Smith says that the move would "promote national and international identity" and is "custom and practice throughout the world". The call is supported by the Scottish Liberal Democrat Group of MSPs.

Mike Crockart, Edinburgh North and Leith's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, added, "Only last week Jack McConnell announced that Scotland is to open its third embassy in China, heightening Scotland's presence abroad. The Saltire is one of Scotland's most potent symbols and should be flown above the Parliament building every day. We've waited almost 300 years for the return of a Scottish Parliament. Now that it's here we can show pride in this country's achievements not just on certain days but at all times."