Thurso activist wants to ban the banners
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A community activist in Thurso removed an advertising banner from the town centre for "safety reasons" and because he felt it was disrespectful to the nearby war memorial.
Alexander Glasgow believes that war memorials are "modern day hallowed ground" and claims that all the ward councillors are in agreement with him that no banners or signs should be sited on the railings at Sir John's Square.
Mr Glasgow said: "When I saw the Howdens banner there, immediately I phoned their office and got the impression that they had received consent. Although this puzzled me, I contacted the ward and community councillors for clarity."
The advertising banner was for the spring sale at Howdens' Thurso branch – a company which claims to be the "UK's largest manufacturer and supplier of fitted kitchens, appliances and joinery products from local stock".
Mr Glasgow said that siting the banner so close to the war memorial was disrespectful to "all the men and one woman from Thurso parish who died in two world wars"; was potentially a distraction for drivers at a busy traffic light intersection; and "spoiled the symmetry of the scene" at the town square.
"I also do not believe the yellow bilingual tourist information sign should be there," he added.
After a number of local people had contacted him online about the banner, Mr Glasgow went to the site and removed it "for safety reasons" as gales were ripping it from its straps, he claimed.
"It had to come down, if only for safety. I have retained it if requested. I have removed banners before, and would be prepared to do so again if no-one else does."
The self-styled community activist said he was worried that, if consent was given, a precedent would have been set and other companies or groups may attach their banners – especially those of a political nature.
Ron Gunn chairman of Thurso Community Council said: "I have seen banners there before and my understanding is that permission can be obtained to put up a banner for a short period of time.
"Members of Thurso Royal British Legion (RBLS) have in the past complained about banners being displayed so near to the war memorial and the community council shares the Legion's concerns. I also believe Bear Scotland objects, on the grounds of safety, to banners being situated so close to the traffic lights as they can be a distraction to drivers using the A9."
When we contacted Howdens for a comment, the depot manager at its Ormlie Industrial Estate premises, Derrick Shearer, said the company had been advised by Highland Council that "banners can be displayed on railings as long as it is not on the A9".
In reference to Mr Glasgow removing the banner, he said: "If this person had visited me at the depot to address concerns then the matter could have been resolved peacefully.
"I can also assure you that it had not blown away as suggested as I passed the area shortly before it disappeared."
Mr Shearer said he would be contacting local police "for investigating the theft of our banner".
In 2016, Thurso RBLS condemned companies, individuals and organisations for displaying adverts and messages at the site. Members took down banners and handed them into Highland Council offices in Rotterdam Street.
They claimed that the signs disrespected the memory of those whose names are engraved on the war memorial and pleaded with the public to "stop cluttering the railings" with such banners.
Mr Glasgow said that the southern aspect of the Sir John's Square railings, where the banner was situated, is actually part of the A9 and considered part of the memorial. He said road signs are positioned on the wall rather than the railings as a sign of respect
He went on to suggest that the tennis court railings on Olrig Street may be a better option for adverts and banners.
Memorial banners at Thurso landmark branded ‘insulting’
