Bothwell residents were quick on the draw when they were asked to design a flag to represent the historic town – and now they are being asked to vote for their favourite which will become its official emblem.
Four entries have now been shortlisted following the competition run by Bothwell’s parish church, scarecrow festival and community organisation Bothwell Futures, showcasing a range of local symbols representing its castle, river, patron saint and schools.
Voting is now open both in person and online, and runs until 11.59pm next Sunday, November 24; with the winner then being officially unveiled at a special event in January.
The community groups launched the competition to create a flag which the whole community can “rally behind and be proud of” as part of the celebrations marking the 625th anniversary year of Bothwell parish church.
Minister and judging panel member Rev Iain Majcher told how the three organisations were thrilled by the number of entries to the competition, saying: “It sparked the imagination of adults and children alike, from Bothwell and as far away as the south of England.
“Trying to whittle the designs from hundreds to just four was no easy task, and the committee spent close to five hours debating and deciding before coming to a final consensus – and we’re delighted to share these final four and encourage everyone to vote for their favourite.”
Finalist A’s design is described as “a basic map with the Clyde flowing down the west of the parish, using the colours of the primary schools completed with the sandstone red castle”; and B shows the River Clyde with the castle above, plus three snowdrops representing Bothwell patron St Bride.
Entry C shows a St Bride’s cross and waves representing a well, again in the schools’ colours; while D features symbols of the historical Murray and Douglas lords of Bothwell on a white and blue background inspired by the well in the town’s name.
Residents can vote in person at Bothwell parish church centre and at the town’s community hub, or by using an online form at https://forms.office.com/e/1SDscDVVZG.
The winning design will be made up into an official town flag which will fly from the church’s landmark tower, and will be revealed at a special event on Saturday, January 11.
Rev Majcher added: “This is a historic vote as the flag will be officially registered and become part of the history and the future of Bothwell, a flag for today and for tomorrow.”
Development charity Bothwell Futures will meet the cost of the new flag, supplemented by donations, while the community groups have been advised by flag expert Phillip Tibbets of the heraldry authority Court of the Lord Lyon.
He helped prepare a competition pack for entrants with tips including using three colours and symbols which are distinctive, easy to draw from memory and meaningful to the town’s “rich history of castles, battles and industry”.
Rev Majcher previously told Lanarkshire Live: “The flag on our tower is such an iconic image in our village and it will be a delight to see the new community flag flying – we hope it will celebrate the heritage and culture of our corner of the country and be a source of pride.
“This is a special year as we celebrate 625 years of worship in our building and I’m delighted that the church is working with the whole community to create a piece of history that will fly not only on our tower but be used by all.”
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