A PRO-INDEPENDENCE group is looking into holding a static, socially distanced rally in a town where Tory councillors demanded a businessman remove six Saltires from the high street.
David Shepherd installs the flags in Coldstream every year at his own cost. They were put up on July 31 this year to mark the town’s civil week, as official celebrations were cancelled due to coronavirus.
Scottish Borders Council has told Shepherd to remove the flags after receiving a complaint that they are flying on their property.
READ MORE: Fury as Tories order for Saltires to be removed from Scottish high street
The businessman said: “I’ve done it in previous years without complaint and there’s been no issues. I’ve never heard a negative comment before. The complaint seems to be that the flags are flying on council property. They told me data protection means they can’t say who complained. It sounds a bit political to me.”
Now All Under One Banner, which organises pro-independence marches and rallies, says it is “assessing” the holding of a large rally in the town before the end of the year.
The group has been hosting socially distanced events as its large-scale marches, which attract tens of thousands, were cancelled due to the pandemic.
The static rallies have been described as a “great success” by organisers.
Reacting to the story this morning, the group posted online: “Due to recent events at Coldstream, we are now assessing the holding of a sizeable static-rally for Independence in the town before the year is out- updates to come.”
SNP councillor Donald Moffat, who lives in Coldstream, said it was “ridiculous” that the flags have to be taken down.
He commented: “I know a lot of tourists expected to see the flag when they cross the bridge into Scotland. My wife is English and I have family and friends who loved seeing the flags when they come to visit. I don’t know what the explanation is.”
A spokesperson for the council said: “These flags were erected/attached to council property with no prior permission.
“The council has therefore contacted the person involved and asked for them to be removed.”
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