SCOTLAND'S SALTIRE IS FOR ALL OF US

Former Nationalist First Minister accused of double standards over use of flags

- By Ben Borland

NICOLA STURGEON was told the “Saltire belongs to the people, not the SNP” after she complained about the national flag being flown in Scotland.

During her 14 years at the top of the devolved Holyrood executive, Nicola Sturgeon led the charge to emblazon the Saltire across almost every corner of public life.

But now Ms Sturgeon has claimed that she has never been a “great one for flags” and complained at seeing so many flying as a result of the UK-wide Raise the Colours movement.

Her comments were described as "beyond parody" and Scots Tory MSP Stephen Kerr said: "The SNP tried to make the Saltire a symbol of nationalism, instead of Scotland's national flag.

"Now they're furious that other people are seeking to take the Saltire back by flying them from lampposts." The row has caused yet another headache for First Minister John Swinney, with Ms Sturgeon's attempts to promote her memoirs still proving a distraction.

Speaking at an event in Aberdeen on Sunday, she said: "I was slightly taken aback by seeing so many flags on lampposts coming in.

"As an independence supporter I have waved the Saltire many, many times in my life but I am not a great one for flags."