Shetland’s flag has been flown since 1969, the 500th anniversary of Shetland’s transfer from Norwegian to Scottish rule. However it was not until 2005 that the Lord Lyon made an official grant of the flag to the local council, thereby allowing the flag’s registration by the Flag Institute. Designed by Roy Grönneberg and Bill Adams the flag visually combines the island group’s’ joint heritage being a Scandinavian cross in Scottish colours.