Researchers have confirmed the discovery of half of a 300-year-old flag belonging to the Frasers of Lovat.

Initially, it was thought it may have been carried by the Frasers at Culloden.

But historians now believe it may have been carried by clansmen who missed the battle.

Clan Fraser Society this week confirmed its whereabouts is being kept a closely-guarded secret.

Graeme Fraser, speaking on behalf of the Clan Fraser Society, said it’s now believed the flag pre-dates the famous battle which saw the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie and brought to an end the Jacobite uprising.

“The flag was inherited by a young family last year from a close relative,” said Mr Fraser.

“We are keeping its whereabouts a closely-guarded secret, but I can tell you it’s in a bank vault in England.

“The family who inherited it are of Scots descent and want to remain anonymous.

Owners of the flag would love to find the missing half.

“It is their wish at some time to share it with the nation and put it on temporary public display.”

During the last 12 months the flag has been conserved and studied by experts.

Mr Fraser said on the day of the Battle of Culloden the Fraser Clan was led by Charles of Inverallochy.

“There were reinforcements on the way led by the Master of Lovat who was the son of the 11th Lord Lovat. The history is a bit unclear, but it’s thought they never arrived in time for the battle. They may have been carrying this banner.

“Most of the Jacobite flags were taken to Edinburgh and publicly burned by the hangman. Only one or two are believed to have survived, so this really is a unique part of Scotland’s and the Clan Fraser history.

“We believe it’s a camp flag dating back to 1725, possibly the personal flag of the then Lord Lovat, as it bears his arms. In 1725 Lord Lovat persuaded the government at that time to raise the Black Watch regiment and this flag relates to the Independent Highland Companies, also known as the Black Watch.

“As to the mystery of the other half and why it was cut in the first place, all we know was it was kept by an Inverness antiquarian, called Dr Macintosh. The other part has been missing since 1827. Dr Macintosh cut it in half.

“Obviously the remaining part could still be around somewhere and it would be terrific if we could find it.”

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