Humza Yousaf has demanded that the European flag be flown from Scottish Government buildings on a daily basis.
With this request, Scotland’s First Minister is following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Nicola Sturgeon.
“Humza Yousaf – like his predecessor – clearly wants to play petty politics on the issue of flags,” said Alexander Stewart MSP, Scottish Conservative deputy spokesman for the constitution, external affairs and culture.
“It is hardly surprising that he wants to distract from his scandal-ridden party and his government’s incompetence on a whole host of issues.
“During a global cost-of-living crisis, Scots want the SNP focused on their real priorities, rather than spending time and money on these sort of gestures.”
According to official guidelines issued on Monday, “the First Minister has directed that the European flag be flown from [Scottish Government] buildings daily, except on specific flag flying dates.”
The Union flag will be flown only once a year on Remembrance Day.
For the duration of the war, all major structures with four poles will fly the Saltire and European flags, in addition to those specified in a schedule, as well as the Ukrainian flag wherever possible.
The Commonwealth Flag, the Armed Forces Day Flag, and the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day will also be flown alongside the Saltire on specific days.
Mr Yousaf and the Protocol and Honours Team must approve any requests to fly flags in advance.
Following the Hamas atrocities, the Scottish Parliament refused to fly Israel’s flag in solidarity with the country, sparking a debate.
Following a request from Alex Salmond several years ago, Scottish Government buildings now fly the Royal Banner on Royal birthdays and celebrations.