THE Saltire was toasted at its birthplace once more as Athelstaneford Kirk held its special St Andrew's Day service.

The event on Saturday also saw the official unveiling of a new pathway to the flag centre at the church.

Roderick Urquhart, Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian; John McMillan, Provost of East Lothian; and Philip Tibbetts, March Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary at the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland, were among the congregation for the service, conducted by minister the Rev Douglas Hamilton.

During the service, Mr Hamilton thanked the many sponsors of the new pathway.

The new pathway around Athelstaneford Kirk features 12 stone roundelsThe new pathway around Athelstaneford Kirk features 12 stone roundels (Image: The Scottish Flag Trust) Dave Williamson, convenor of the Scottish Flag Trust, said that it had been a "great afternoon", marking not only St Andrew’s Day but also the completion of the latest stage in the renovation of the trust's presence at the site.

He said: "We are very grateful to everyone who came along, especially the sponsors of the roundels which have been set into the path telling the story of the Saltire for people walking to the back of the kirk to visit the flag centre.

"The weather was kind and the service was most appropriate and really captured the spirit of St Andrew and the Saltire.

"Scotland’s national flag is the oldest in Europe and its origins stretch back to the Battle of Athelstaneford in 832.

"Constructing the new path to the flag centre has been a very important part of the renovation, making it truly accessible and improving the visual quality too."

Mr Williamson said that the flag trust was now turning its attention to looking at ways to improve the battle memorial in front of the church and hoped to be able to update interested parties next year.

The flag centre is now closed for the winter and will reopen in the spring, but the new pathway is viewable year round.