Flag expert in Duns

Scotland’s official flag expert, Philip Tibbetts, visited Duns recently to meet members of the Berwickshire Civic Society ahead of the launch of its A Flag for Berwickshire competition. 

Philip is the first ever Honorary Vexillologist at the Court of Lord Lyon and has been instrumental in advising and supporting similar competitions. 

The Berwickshire community competition will launch next month, after the Coronation celebrations. Individuals and groups will have a chance to submit their designs for the flag, either online or in local venues. 

As well as a £250 prize for the winning design, the winner will have the thrill of seeing their creation flying across the county. It will be recognised by the Court of Lord Lyon – the body responsible for recording and protecting all heraldry, flags and national symbols in Scotland. 

Chair of the Berwickshire Civic Society, Brian Payne, said: “We are delighted that Philip is bringing his extensive knowledge and expertise to Berwickshire. He is also involved in work we are doing in local schools to promote the competition and give our young people an insight into what designing a flag entails.” 

Philip’s focus on helping communities to design their own symbols saw him recognised as a pioneer in vexillology. Since then, he has supported more than 60 flag registrations across the UK, from small villages to entire counties.   

Through the flag competition process, he has empowered communities to develop their own designs.