THE FINAL stitches were yesterday added to the biggest saltire ever seen—by a Kirriemuir flag-making firm that hopes it will inspire Scotland’s rugby team to sew up the World Cup.

Seamstresses Ruth Kydd and Christine Gardiner carefully attached celebrity-endorsed panels together for the record-breaking emblem, which will be unveiled at tomorrow’s cup countdown test against Ireland at Murrayfield.

It marked the culmination of 10 days of toil for staff at Hi-Fli Banners and Flags, a division of textile firm J. & D. Wilkie, involved in the 500 sq metre masterpiece.

Sections of the flag were sent all over the world with an appeal to Scotland’s most famous sons to sign and send back with good-luck messages for the rugby team. Responses included “On Yersel Lads,” penned and signed by Ewan McGregor in Australia, filming the latest Star Wars epic.

Hand-written messages from Sir Sean Connery, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Alex Ferguson and First Minister Jack McConnell are also on the fabric.

Thousands of fans at home and abroad have also had a piece of the action, getting their names printed on the blue background after signing up to the campaign on the internet. It is the biggest commission received by Hi-Fli and a great source of pride for staff, said the firm’s Calum Starke.

“I support Scotland whether it’s at football or rugby and to be involved in this commission has been great,” he said. “I think it’s fantastic that it has also involved fans, by allowing them to put their names on the flag. Quite a few of us will be at the game on Saturday to cheer on the team and see the flag unfurled in all its glory.”

The inspiring emblem has won the wholehearted support of the team hoping to come out on top Down Under, with each member having added his name.

Rugby great Chris Paterson said, “Running out to see that flag will give us a massive boost, knowing that so many people are behind us and that our supporters are the best in the world.”

The flag, commissioned by the Scottish Rugby Union, is the latest massive-scale sporting tribute to leave the firm’s Gairie Works—with pitch banners having already taken pride of place in this year’s UEFA and Champions League football cup finals.

The saltire will be presented to the Scotland team at the nation’s home of rugby tomorrow and taken with the squad to Australia for the Rugby World Cup next month.