Memorial banners at Thurso landmark branded ‘insulting’
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BANNERS, placards and old bed sheets hung from railings at one of Thurso’s best-known landmarks have been branded disrespectful and war veterans are aiming to put a stop to the practice.
Members of Thurso Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) have blasted companies, individuals and organisations for displaying adverts and messages near the war memorial at Sir John’s Square.
This week they took down the banners and handed them into Highland Council offices in Rotterdam Street.
They claim the signs disrespect the memory of those whose names are engraved on the war memorial. And they are pleading with members of the public to stop cluttering the railings with such banners.
Thurso RBLS secretary Lyonel Sutherland yesterday said they are “insulting” to the memory of those who died.
He said any banners and signs found on the railings will be removed and handed to the council.
“It is an insult to the men and one woman listed on the memorial who gave their lives for our freedom,” he said.
“We are coming up to Armistice Day and there was a huge banner that was attached to the railings this week.
“We have handed the banner into the Highland Council service point as we were requested to do so.
“It is an issue which goes on throughout the year and we do not think it is right hanging these banners beside the memorial.”
Mr Sutherland said Thurso has been entered into gardening competitions at Highland and national levels with the gardens at the war memorial being a focal point of the town’s floral displays.
He said: “We are requesting organisations and individuals desist from hanging banners, placards and old bed sheets on the railings at Thurso war memorial to advertise events. A team of dedicated gardeners tend the gardens which are entered into competitions. The gardens are in a lovely setting and are admired by discerning locals and visitors so please stop this horrible practice.”
Thurso Community Council chairman Mike Potts said there are bylaws in place which prevent banners and signs being hung up at the railings but this is being ignored by the public.
He said the community council shares the Legion’s concerns and supports calls for the public to stop using the railings to advertise events.
He said: “I previously worked for the council and we were told to take down any banners which were tied to the railings.
“We agree it is disrespectful to the war memorial and would ask companies, individuals and organisations to stop doing it.”
