Saltire shows we welcome all

JOHN Swinney has insisted the Saltire is a “flag of welcome” as he blasted Keir Starmer for his “chilling” language on immigration.

- BY CHRIS McCALL

The First Minister raised the issue of flags following a social media campaign in England that encourages locals to fly St George's crosses and Union Jacks from lampposts.

Critics claim the flag-flying push is being used by Reform UK and other right-wing opponents of immigration to intimidate people born overseas.

Now the flag phenomenon has spread to Scotland, with multiple Saltires tied to lampposts in Peterhead, Falkirk and in the Maryhill area of Glasgow.