Scotland has always employed exactly the same vehicle registration system as England and Wales, but the letter ‘S’ was originally reserved for those issued by Scottish local authorities.
In later series, things got a little complicated, but the Scottish ‘S’ has continued to feature. Under the current system, for instance, plates beginning with SA = Glasgow, and those beginning with, SK = Edinburgh.
But, registrations have always been transferable - hence our company name! - and you can assign a ‘Scottish’ plate to any GB vehicle.
The Historic ‘S 1’
Scotland’s earliest issued plate was the prestigious ‘S 1’. It was acquired by the pioneering motorist Sir John H.A. MacDonald (Lord Kingsburgh) in Edinburgh. As a symbol of Scottish motoring history, this plate became legendary. Its significance was confirmed over a century later in 2008, when 'S 1' was sold at a Bonhams auction for the staggering sum of nearly £404,063 cementing its status as one of the most valuable plates in the UK.
Flying the Flag: The Saltire Rules
For many motorists, a number plate is more than just a legal necessity; it is a mobile identity which can also reflect national pride. While historic plates like S 1 are out of reach for most, there is a way for every driver to display their heritage:
A common misconception is that you must reside in Scotland or drive a vehicle registered in Scotland to display the national flag on your number plate, but this is not the case. The Scottish Saltire - the famous white diagonal cross of St Andrew - can be displayed (on a left-hand side blue band) on any UK number plate. It does not matter if the vehicle owner lives in London, Wales, or the Highlands, or where the vehicle was originally registered.
So, drivers across Great Britain have the freedom to customise their plates with the Saltire, to show their affinity for Scotland. And when you buy from Regtransfers, we can supply your registration with the Scottish flag on the acrylic plates.
Character and Comedy
Beyond the flag, many drivers choose registrations that spell out Scottish names, cultural icons, or even jokes. Creativity is key when selecting a cherished registration. Some standout examples of Scottish-themed plates include:
Finding Your Match
Whether you are looking to invest in a piece of history or simply want to display a bit of fun on your bumper, the options are vast.
For those interested in acquiring their own piece of Scottish motoring identity, Regtransfers holds an impressive collection of Scottish-themed registrations to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.
