NEW flags are flying over Kilchattan Bay and Kingarth this week. It’s part of an initiative driven by the Kingarth and Kilchattan Bay Improvements Committee.
The flags have been designed by Finlay Martin and both were unfurled in a community ceremony at the old quay in Kilchattan Bay.
The weather was braved by hardy souls who enjoyed home-made cakes from Liz Wren and Jean Moffat. John Blick played the trumpet as the new flags were raised.
Both designs feature a Clyde Puffer, which was once a common sight in Kilchattan Bay, bringing in coal supplies and exporting farm produce and Kilchattan bricks and tiles.
One of the flags also depicts Kilchattan village and its quay.
Finlay Martin told this newspaper: “The inspiration for the Puffer design on both flags is based on the fact these Clyde puffers were a common sight along the coasts of Scotland from 1860’s to 1960’s.
“In Kilchattan Bay they provided a vital life line for much needed goods such as coal and manufactured goods and allowed local farm produce to be sent to the mainland. Also there was a lime kiln and Kilchattan tiles, known for their high quality, that were sent all over Scotland.
“The road network was very poor back then so Kilchattan was more closely linked to Millport.”
Local flags fly across various parts of the country.
One of the oldest locality- specific flags can be found fluttering above the roof tops of Edinburgh.
Auld Reekie’s city flag with its castle and colours of white, black and red dates back to 1732.
There are also what are known as county and regional
flags flying across Scotland. Shetland’s was designed in 1969 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the transfer of Shetland from Norway to Scotland. The colours were inspired by Scotland’s national flag, and the cross shape is from Scandinavian tradition.
Finlay said there has been much chat online and on the street about the designs and notes “one of the two designs will eventually be chosen as the official flag for the area”.
