MAY 27, 2025 — Girvan residents are being asked to vote on a new flag design, marking the culmination of a months-long community-led initiative to create a civic symbol for the town, reports the Daily Record.
Four shortlisted designs are now up for public consideration, with the winning flag set to be unveiled later this summer.
The project was spearheaded by the Girvan Arts Festival in partnership with schools, community groups, and South Ayrshire Council, and was inspired by a visit to Caithness by a member of the Girvan lifeboat crew.
Noting the widespread display of the Caithness flag, the idea was proposed to develop a similar emblem for Girvan. “We thought that it would be a good idea to design a flag for Girvan and involve the community in its design,” said Alan Jeans of Girvan Arts Festival.
According to the project website, a total of 184 entries were submitted after the competition opened in March. Phillip Tibbetts, a representative from the Court of the Lord Lyon, Scotland’s heraldic authority, provided guidance during school visits and assisted in the judging process.
The judging panel, which included representatives from the Lyon Court and other supporting organisations, selected four final designs.
One (top left) features Ailsa Craig alongside green waves, symbolizing both the River Girvan and the sea, and reflecting the town’s civic crest. Another (top right) showcases a gannet to represent local wildlife, with green waves for the river and a yellow background inspired by Girvan Academy’s colors. A third design (bottom left) incorporates interwoven blue and green waves to represent the town’s handloom weaving tradition and its motto, “Weave Industry With Truth.” The final design (bottom right) includes blue and yellow vertical stripes representing Girvan Youth, along with a ship symbolizing the town’s harbour, also tying into the civic crest.
Voting is open until June 13. Eligibility extends to residents in the KA26 postcode, though individuals with strong ties to the town are also welcome to participate.
Image: Girvan Arts Festival
