An assessment panel, including representatives from the community, Lord Lieutenancy and local schools, as well as the Flag Institute and the Lyon Court, chose a final set of five designs which were put to a public vote in September 2023.

The blue panel features a salmon representing the importance of sea and coarse fishing to the county, as well as the Berwickshire Marine Reserve.

[1] Design B The black shape in the hoist resembles a stylised "B" for Berwickshire, with the jagged lines also invoking the rugged terrain of the western part of the county.

[1] Design C The white tree is a wych elm, which appeared on the arms of the former county council as part of a pun on Berwickshire's name ("Bear-Wych-Shire").

Additionally, the pattern references the colour scheme of the Border tartan, and can also be seen as a nod to the checkered flag used in motor racing, thus symbolising Berwickshire's motorsport heritage.