A talented schoolgirl is flying high after her artistic design was chosen to become the new symbol of Bothwell – and becomes the first official flag of any Lanarkshire town or village.
Ava McBain’s clever creation showcasing Bothwell Castle and the nearby river amid significant local colours won a public vote to become the area’s new flag and is now flying proudly above its landmark 14th-century parish church.
It was unveiled for the first time at a special ceremony led by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, Dr Joseph Morrow, who called it “a lasting emblem for the village”.
Eleven-year-old Ava’s winning 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”.
Her idea emerged as the winner in an in-person and online poll attracting 2400 votes, after becoming one of four shortlisted finalists in the competition run by Bothwell Parish Church and development charity Bothwell Futures which attracted more than 200 entries from local residents.
Muiredge Primary pupil Ava said: “It’s amazing that I won – I can’t believe it! When I think of Bothwell, I think of the River Clyde and Bothwell Castle, so I had to include them in the flag.”
Dr Morrow led the unveiling ceremony of the new officially-registered Bothwell design and said: “Flags are a powerful symbol of unity, community, and pride.
“Ava’s design captures the heart of Bothwell, and it is a joy to see it officially registered and flown here today. This flag will serve as a lasting emblem for the village, celebrating its rich history and its bright future.”
Judging panel member Reverend Iain Majcher of Bothwell Parish Church said: “Announcing Ava as the winner is a wonderful moment – her design truly captures the spirit of our village.
“It’s been a privilege to run this competition and see the incredible creativity and passion our community has for Bothwell. It’s been heartwarming to see the whole community come together, and this flag will serve as a lasting symbol of our shared history and pride.”
Production of the new flag was funded by Bothwell Futures, supplemented by donations from residents and supporters, with the competition also being backed by the community organisers of the area’s popular scarecrow festival.
Distinguished guests at the unveiling included Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Andrew Braidwood, and Scotland’s leading flag expert Philip Tibbetts, honorary vexillologist at the Lyon Court.
The expert from Scotland’s heraldry authority produced the competition information pack and helped advise local residents as they created their designs, giving advice ranging from using limited colours and “meaningful” symbols to ensuring that the design is distinctive and simple enough for others to draw from memory.
He said: “Ava’s flag is a striking and meaningful representation of Bothwell’s history and spirit. It is a design that speaks to the unique character of the village.”
Joining them for the weekend ceremony were Ava and her proud parents, along with South Lanarkshire provost Margaret Cooper and local Church of Scotland moderator Rev Derek Gunn.
The new flag is already flying proudly from the church tower, and is being described as “a source of inspiration and a shared symbol of home and heritage” for local residents.
Rev Majcher previously told Lanarkshire Live: “The competition sparked the imagination of adults and children alike, from Bothwell and as far away as the south of England, and trying to whittle the designs from hundreds to just four was no easy task.
“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.”
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