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Exclusive: Alex Salmond allowed to keep unauthorised ‘Yes’ sign after council deems it ‘non-political’

Alex Salmond defends his controversial YES sign at his Strichen home after the council deemed it "unauthorised".
Picture by Kath Flannery
Alex Salmond defends his controversial YES sign at his Strichen home after the council deemed it "unauthorised". Picture by Kath Flannery

Alex Salmond will be able to keep his unauthorised “Yes” sign after Aberdeenshire Council decided it is “not political”.

In March, the former First Minister was told the Saltire-themed placard nailed to a tree in his garden was in breach of rules.

Officials ordered him to apply for permission for the piece of “political advertising” – while advising that it was unlikely to be granted.

But the Alba leader contended that the sign, just off the B9093 route into Strichen from New Pitsligo, was nothing to do with his pro-independence stance.

An indignant Mr Salmond claimed it was erected more than 18 months ago to help ramblers find their way as they entered the village.

Fuming at “pettifogging officialdom”, he vowed to challenge the ruling.

And faced with the veteran politician’s wrath, the planning department has now had a change of heart.

Alex Salmond backed by Alba supporter Mike Morgan, who made the sign, and members Charlotte Cross, Alex Salmond, Trish McPherson and Andy McCall. Picture by Kath Flannery.

Aberdeenshire Council backs down

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman last night told us officers had “accepted that this is not political signage”.

The spokesman said: “After careful reconsideration, we have now accepted that this is not political signage.

“We can confirm that, while formal advertisement consent is required, in this particular instance the sign has no impact on safety.

“And the resultant harm caused by the presence of the sign on the amenity [of the area] is not considered to be significant to warrant the planning service taking formal action for its removal.”

Alex Salmond says ‘common sense has prevailed’ over sign row

Mr Salmond said: “I’m glad that common sense has prevailed and well done to the council officials for accepting the facts of the matter.

“The Strichen saltire stays in place and freedom of expression continues in Aberdeenshire.”

Local man Mike Morgan, who crafted the Yes Saltire from spare wood, breathed a sigh of relief.

He added: “Lots of Strichen folk have told me they would have been sorry to see it go and so I am very pleased.”

Is Alex Salmond’s ‘Yes’ sign really non-political?

The sign, measuring about 2.4m by 1.2m, is sculpted in the familiar font of the Yes campaign formed ahead of the 2014 independence referendum.

But, according to its owner, it does not express support for any political party.

Therefore, says Mr Salmond, it does not fall under rules relating to political advertising.

That view has now been accepted by council top brass.

Mr Salmond outlines his stance: 

‘It’s obviously promoting independence’

The council investigated the sign after former chief executive of the Peterhead Port Authority, Ian Laidlaw, complained about it.

He has now been left “astonished” by the about-face.

Ian Laidlaw at Peterhead Harbour in 2017.

Mr Laidlaw said: “I can’t understand how it’s a non-political sign, it’s obviously promoting the Yes campaign for independence.

“I just can’t believe that.

“In my work in the building trade, I learned that you need permission for any sort of signage.

“But here is a guy literally allowed to fly his political colours.”

Independence supporters brandishing the familiar slogan. Picture from Shutterstock.

Spat over sign came as Alba prepared for elections

His victory over the council represents a change in fortunes for the former leader of Scotland.

The 67-year-old’s Alba party emerged humiliated from the council elections, with no candidates being voted in.

The bitter sting of defeat was felt most in Fraserburgh, where veteran councillor Brian Topping missed out on re-election after defecting to Alba from the SNP.

Mr Salmond, who days ago told the Press and Journal that “correspondence is ongoing”, was unavailable for comment.

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