Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BLUE BLANKET, n. The banner of the Edinburgh Craftsmen; also of Perth. See a description in J. Grant Old and New Edb. (1882) I. 34-6.Per. 1836 G. Penny Trad. Perth 203:
There is a flag, styled "the blue blanket", of which the convener is put in possession. When this blanket is unfurled, every tradesman belonging to the corporation is bound to turn out.Edb. 1722 A. Pennecuik Hist. Acct. Blue Blanket (1826) 88:
The following History of the Blue Blanket, or Crafts-Mens Banner.Edb. 1753 W. Maitland Hist. of Edinburgh 9–10:
And, as a perpetual Remembrance of the loyalty and Bravery of the Edinburghers on the aforesaid Occasion, the King [James III.] granted them a Banner or Standard, with a Power to display the same in Defence of their King, Country and their own Rights. This Flag, at present denominated the Blue Blanket, is kept by the Conveener of the Trades.Edb. 1928 D. Robertson and M. Wood Castle and Town 182:
Another entertainment [in the Town Council] followed, termed the Convener's dinner, at which the Blue Blanket was conspicuously displayed, and afterwards committed to the charge of the new Convener.Gall. 1934 M. C. Lochhead in Gallov. Annual 37:
Oh, wha'll be King o' Scotland yet? Will the blue blanket na be set Amang prood banners?
