WESTMINSTER adverts promoting a policy that undermines devolution have been blasted by Scots.
The adverts are appearing on digital billboards across Scotland to highlight the UK Government’s “levelling up” agenda.
The post reads: “Levelling up means opportunities wherever you are.”
READ MORE: Michael Gove's 'levelling up' agenda undermines Scottish democracy
The department, headed by Michael Gove, has come under fire for its scheme which opponents in the Scottish and Welsh parliaments have said go against the principles of devolution.
I smell shite. pic.twitter.com/lLcNaJgt0r
— Iona Fyfe (@ionafyfe) February 25, 2022
Levelling up cash is sent straight to local authorities to invest in projects – with UK ministers ultimately deciding which get funded.
This means the department can spend in devolved areas without having to consult the Scottish Government.
Scottish musician Iona Fyfe spotted one of the adverts in Glasgow’s West End on Friday.
Others have been spotted by readers of The National in Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street and the Buchanan Galleries.
She tweeted a picture of the sign with the caption: “I smell shite.”
Her followers questioned what “opportunities” the policy offered.
One suggested Scots had the “opportunity” to “starve or freeze” in reference to soaring energy bills set to rise in April.
Another said it was the opportunity for “Tory liars to make money”.
READ MORE: Michael Gove 'disrespecting' Scottish Parliament with meeting failures
It is not known how much the adverts cost – but the Department for Levelling Up publishes details of its spending with a delay of three months.
In September 2021, the Department’s accounts show it spent more than £75,968 on advertising, while in October 2021 it spent £18,882.
It comes after Gove visited Holyrood on Thursday to face a grilling from MSPs.
He was told Levelling Up was letting down Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.
MSP Michelle Thomson revealed the area was put in the category least likely to be awarded funding – alongside the affluent and well-connected City of London.
It was pointed out that transport links do not feature in the weighting to award cash to places in Scotland but do in England. A higher transport connection score in England makes a place less likely to receive funding.
The UK Government was approached for comment.
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