The county of Sutherland finally has its own flag after thousands of local residents voted to choose the design.

The Sutherland Flag committee launched a public vote back in October to enable local residents to choose a design following a backlash over the committee’s original choice of of a swooping eagle on a yellow background with three stars or mullets.

More than 3,000 people turned out to vote during the month long competition, with 921 people voting for the winning design – securing first place with just 29% of the vote.

The white flag features a black viking Nordic cross over a black saltire to form a yellow sun.

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Of the other three flag designs, 24% of people voted for option C and options A and B garnered about 20% of the public’s support.

Philip Tibbetts, honorary vexillologist to the Court of the Lord Lyon said the chosen design held a strong personnel meaning for the small Highland county.

He said: “The meaning behind this flag which I think is a real showcase of what good flag design is, is it’s got a meaning that could only apply to Sutherland, not any other county in the country. This literally says this is a unique place in Scotland; the place being where Vikings and the ancient people of Scotland met and fought with each other.”

During a ceremony at the Highland Council’s offices in Drummuie, Golspie yesterday, veterans, councillors and members of the Committee came together to unveil the winning design.

The historic moment was marked by a poignant flag raising ceremony with members of HMS Sutherland leading proceedings.

Chief Petty Officer Underwater Warfare Paul Underdown of HMS Sutherland said crewmen will be proud to fly the flag. He said: “I think it’s a brilliant flag and to actually give presentation of the actual flag of the county of Sutherland is amazing.

“It’s a brilliant design, bright vibrant colours and i’m sure the captain would be very proud to have that flying up on his flagpole. To have the votes of 3,000 is absolutely amazing for a small population of the county versus a bigger population of a smaller place.”