“I love flags! I am sure that Moray should have its very own flag; it’s a great way of expressing our community pride. I am also sure that those taking part in the competition will consider Moray’s heritage, its lands and the sea, its businesses and produce, our wildlife and the vibrant colours we all enjoy up here. We need a flag that is clearly identifiable as belonging to Moray and then we can fly it proudly and cheerfully all over the county and perhaps use it on some of our products.”Nancy Robson, Deputy Lieutenant of Moray, below

added: “A recognisable symbol of Moray pride will be a huge asset to business and tourism in the county. We are hoping for competition entries from throughout the county, across all ages and abilities, and perhaps further afield. Workshops will be held in the schools and communities to get the designing started. I’m looking forward to the competition, it will be exciting to see the shortlist.”

The competition submissions will be whittled down to between four and six finalists  by a panel at the end of April, for inclusion in a public vote to determine the winner, whose creator will be invited to raise the flag at an official launch ceremony in the county in late summer. The event runs in coooperation with local media and is backed by both Visit Moray Speyside and Moray Chamber of Commerce, with its cost covered by generous donations from Walkers Shortbread and Gray Composting Services.