Scottish red ensign

lustyd

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If you continue reading it states small boats don’t have to wear the ensign, although another section says incorrect colours can be seized.
The seized colours will be forfeited to “Her Majesty”. Shows how important we consider this law!
 

Chiara’s slave

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If you continue reading it states small boats don’t have to wear the ensign, although another section says incorrect colours can be seized.
The seized colours will be forfeited to “Her Majesty”. Shows how important we consider this law!
I still think that means you don't have to wear it at sea, but must display it on entering a foreign port. I'm not planning on testing it, we love to fly the ensign, it's part of the sailing tradition.
 

Seven Spades

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I am sad that correct flag etiquette is not being followed. The only flags that should be worn are red, blue or white ensigns and blue and whites may only be used by those that hold warrants AND are displaying the burgee of the club that issued the warrant.

I see so may boats with blue ensigns without burgees, usually they are undefaced which begs the question do these prople even hold warrants for those ensigns.
 

lustyd

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I see so may boats with blue ensigns without burgees, usually they are undefaced which begs the question do these prople even hold warrants for those ensigns.
We do have a lot of ex service people in this country, so those you're most concerned about are very likely the most deserving of their blue ensign.
 

Sea Change

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To actually answer Webby's question, mine was just the cheapest available on eBay. Lasted several years but eventually the Mediterranean sun did it in. We were never once questioned about the validity of flying it (other than by other yachties).
 

RunAgroundHard

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I am sad that correct flag etiquette is not being followed. The only flags that should be worn are red, blue or white ensigns and blue and whites may only be used by those that hold warrants AND are displaying the burgee of the club that issued the warrant.

I see so may boats with blue ensigns without burgees, usually they are undefaced which begs the question do these prople even hold warrants for those ensigns.

It is weird being sad around other people’s flag etiquette. Try to ignore it and be happy, it is after all an irrelevance.
 

SaltyC

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We do have a lot of ex service people in this country, so those you're most concerned about are very likely the most deserving of their blue ensign.
In my experience they are also the ones more likely to follow the correct protocol.
They are generally proud of serving/ having served their country and recognise the heritage.
 

webcraft

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Im not a Scot but my take on it is if a Scot wants to fly a Saltire as an ensign in home waters thats fine. If I were a Scot and ventured into non-UK waters I would either swap it for a red ensign or, at the very least, have a red ensign onboard in case of trouble from officialdom.

We fly a normal red ensign on the boat in Portugal because the Portuguese authorities don't like 'strange' ensigns. In Scottish waters I prefer to fly a Scottish ensign. If it upsets people then really they need to get a life !

I have never been signalled by a RN vessel. However, I have a friend who used to make a point of dipping his (red) ensign to any passing RN vessel for the joy of watching them scurry to dip theirs.

- W
 

Chiara’s slave

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We fly a normal red ensign on the boat in Portugal because the Portuguese authorities don't like 'strange' ensigns. In Scottish waters I prefer to fly a Scottish ensign. If it upsets people then really they need to get a life !

I have never been signalled by a RN vessel. However, I have a friend who used to make a point of dipping his (red) ensign to any passing RN vessel for the joy of watching them scurry to dip theirs.

- W
It gives Jolly Jack something to do….🤣

Your ensign policy is the pragmatic approach. Surely nobody s going to be upset to see Scottish boats in Scottish waters flying a Scots ensign. The tourist boats in Lymington fly the jolly roger, I trust no snowflakes are upset by that.
 

Frogmogman

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It gives Jolly Jack something to do….🤣

Your ensign policy is the pragmatic approach. Surely nobody s going to be upset to see Scottish boats in Scottish waters flying a Scots ensign. The tourist boats in Lymington fly the jolly roger, I trust no snowflakes are upset by that.

Quite so. Brittany is full of Bretons flying the Breton flag. Nobody seems to mind.
 

srm

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However, I have a friend who used to make a point of dipping his (red) ensign to any passing RN vessel for the joy of watching them scurry to dip theirs.
I managed that in the Sound of Mull, dipping my defaced blue ensign first to the Royal Yacht, flying HM's personal flag, then to the escorting frigate following astern. Both vessels acknowledged.
 
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