REGIONS
The UKSN is organised into six distinct regions for operational and communication efficiency. This division allows for streamlined coordination and communication among members within specific geographical areas. By structuring the network in this manner, UKSN ensures effective response capabilities and fosters collaboration among members, facilitating the sharing of resources and expertise within each region.
REGION 1
Scotland & Northern Ireland
UKSN Region 1 encompasses Scotland and Northern Ireland, both countries are famous for their landscapes with immense mountains, glacial glens and valleys, lochs and many castles. The green of Region 1’s flag represents the untamed verdant lands, much like the history of these two countries – populated with Picts and Celts – neither of whom were conquered by the Romans.
The majestic heraldic stag is a nod to the Irish Elk (Megaloceros) which appeared on the old Northern Ireland Coat of Arms. The yellow of the stag represents the Or of the Bratach rìoghail na h-Alba. Finally the Scots Thistle is an emblem of Scotland. The thistle was adopted as the flower of Scotland after an army of the Norse King Haakon landed on the coast of Largs at night to surprise the sleeping Scottish Clansmen. Intent on conquering the Scots the Norsemen removed their footwear and crept towards the sleeping Scots but one of them stepped on a Thistle and cried out alerting the Clansmen to their presence. A battle ensued and Haakons’s army was defeated.
REGION 2
Wales
The flag of Wales (Welsh: Baner Cymru or Y Ddraig Goch, meaning the red dragon) consists of a red dragon passant on a green and white field. … The red dragon was then included as a supporter of the Tudor royal arms to signify their Welsh descent. It was officially recognised as the Welsh national flag in 1959. It is considered that the Welsh kings of Aberffraw first adopted the dragon in the early fifth century in order to symbolise their power and authority after the Romans withdrew from Britain. Later, around the seventh century, it became known as the Red Dragon of Cadwaladr, king of Gwynedd from 655 to 682. The Welsh Dragon – also known as the Y Ddraig Goch (“The Red Dragon”) and the Red Dragon of Cadwallader – is a dragon that appears in Celtic Mythology/Welsh Folklore. The dragon itself is named Dewi (modernly Welsh for “David” – after the patron saint of Wales).
REGION 3
North West & West Midlands
The Region 3 flag draws on traditional heraldic designs and local iconography including the historic Staffordshire knot. In heraldic terms the Rose is a symbol of hope and joy, the Tower is attributed to protection and defence, the Knot denotes faith and allegiance and the lion passent not only represents England but traditionally symbolises courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness and valour.
The icons of Region 3’s flag are purposely coloured white which signifies truth, sincerity and peace which nicely contrast against a golden yellow background which conveys wisdom, generosity, glory, constancy and faith.
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REGION 4
North East & East Midlands
The North East has deep roots in both Celtic and Viking history and folk-lore The raven is considered to be one of the oldest and wisest of all animals. Ravens were the favourite bird of the god Lludd, the Celtic god of artists and artisans. Fenrir is the most infamous of the many wolves in Norse mythology. He’s the son of the god Loki and the giantess Angrboda. At Ragnarok, he will break free and run throughout the world devouring everything in his path. The colours Grey, Black and Silver represent Coal, Steel and Blades which are the major industries and heritage of our region. They also represent Heat. Light and Security.
REGION 5
South West
Region 5 is composed of 8 areas; Cornwall, Devon, North Somerset, South Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset and the Isles of Scilly. Our flag features 3 of our iconic landmarks, the ancient and mystical Stonehenge that has adorned the Wiltshire countryside for over 4000 years, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge an engineering masterpiece designed by the civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who was responsible for a lot of the transportation infrastructure throughout our region. Both of these are being held aloft balanced on the arms of Somerset's Willow man, a 40 foot sculpture that was built to celebrate the role of Willow in the ecology and craft tradition of the Somerset levels. The design additionally features 2 Horseshoe bats circling the Willow man, as the UK’s largest population is actually based here in the South West. The orange colour was chosen for our flag colour to represent the breath taking sunsets we receive on the South West coast.
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REGION 6
South East
Region 6 is the largest of the Regions in the UK and is made up of the following areas: Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, East Sussex, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, London, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Surrey & West Sussex, this makes it the second largest area after Scotland and Ireland.
The Region 6 flag hosts the Raven and Tudor Rose as its main icons, whilst the River Thames flows behind. The colours of the flag, Blue and White stand for Loyalty, Trust, Commitment, Purity, Openness, New Beginnings and Growth as it was from our Region that the UK became what it was, the largest Empire the world had seen, and flourished into what it is today.
Both the Raven and Tudor Rose symbolise the UK, while the River Thames was the lifeline to the UK. Our Region is steeped in history and Iconic locations, far too many to list here. We have the Seat of Government and Law, the busiest Airports, Stations, Ferry Ports, Docks, the biggest Universities, the home of National Sports. In fact, it has hosted the Olympics and multiple World Cup events on numerous occasions, the list goes on.