Roman term for the Scottish Highlands, inhabited by the Caledoni. The tribes of the area remained outside Roman control they were defeated but not conquered by Agricola in AD 83 to 84 and again by Septimius Severus who reached beyond modern Aberdeen in 208. Since the 18th century, the name has been revived as a romantic alternative for the whole of Scotland.
The flag's unusual 3:4 proportions are laid down by law. Green represents the forests. Blue symbolizes the Atlantic Ocean. Effective date: 9 August 1960.