The Scottish Government has stopped using an inverted saltire in its Covid briefing background as it resembles the Russian naval flag.
The move was prompted by the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The blue cross on a white background is one of the government’s trademark logos and was often used in the First Minister’s updates from St Andrews House.
It has also been used as an ensign for the Russian Navy since the 18th century.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The white and blue Saltire version of the Scottish Government’s logo is part of the organisation’s approved branding toolkit.
“Given the ongoing situation in Ukraine, the Scottish Government will no longer use this version of the logo.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK could take 200,000 or more Ukrainians – despite criticism that other countries across Europe are doing more to ease entry requirements.
The First Minister said she would not give an “arbitrary number” of how many might seek safety in Scotland.
The Scottish Government is working with councils to put housing for people fleeing the conflict into practice.
- Do not limit the number of refugees in Ukraine – sturgeon
- “More than 100” Scots volunteer for Ukraine fight
- Scot flees Ukraine with newborn son
Meanwhile, a number of Scottish expats have become involved in the conflict.
Sean Cusick, who is trying to flee Ukraine with his wife and son, told the BBC how his “exhausted” family spent days running back and forth between their home in Kharkiv and a bomb shelter.
His wife said they slept in their shoes so they could escape faster.
On Wednesday night, Sean posted on social media that they managed to board a train. He said he wasn’t sure of their destination other than that it was near a border.
Another Scot, Ken Stewart, managed to flee Ukraine with his newborn baby but said he feels guilty for those he left behind.
He made it into Poland after waiting 40 hours in a queue at the border and hopes to make it to Aberdeenshire by the weekend.
Add Comment