What is the Royal Standard of Scotland?
Q: What is the Royal Standard of Scotland?
A: The Royal Standard of Scotland, also known as the Banner of the King of Scots or more commonly the Lion Rampant of Scotland, is a Scottish Royal Banner of Arms.
Q: Who can use it officially?
A: The correct use of the Royal Standard of Scotland is restricted by an Act of the Parliament of Scotland to only a few Great Officers of State who officially represent the Sovereign in Scotland. It is also used in an official capacity at royal residences in Scotland when the Sovereign is not present.
Q: When was it first used as a royal emblem?
A: The earliest recorded use of the Lion rampant as a royal emblem in Scotland was by Alexander II in 1222.
Q: How has it been incorporated into successive monarchs' arms and banners?
A: Since 1603, the Lion rampant has been incorporated into both the royal arms and royal banners to symbolise Scotland; as can be seen today in the Royal Standard for United Kingdom.
Q: What does it symbolise today?
A: Today, it continues to be one of Scotland's most recognisable symbols.
Q: Is its usage limited?
A: Yes, its usage is now officially restricted to representatives from the Sovereign and at royal residences.
