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Aberdeenshire towns to lift saltire ban in time for St Andrew’s Day

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Aberdeenshire Council buildings will fly the Scottish saltire on St Andrew’s Day – just months after the banner was banned on the Bard’s birthday.

Officials stopped the national flag from being raised above several civic buildings including Inverurie Town Hall on Burn’s Day last January, prompting an outcry from SNP politicians.

But members of the then-ruling Aberdeenshire Alliance – a pairing of Conservative, Liberal Democrat and independent councillors – defended the move, saying it was in line with council flag-flying protocol.

The rules dictate that there should only be a certain number of flag-raising days every year, aimed at saving the council excess expenditure on maintaining and replacing the emblems.

However, the local authority has confirmed it will make “special arrangements” this year to hoist the symbol from the Inverurie building, as well as Banchory Town Hall, on November 30.

The balance of power at the council shifted earlier this year after the 28-strong SNP group teamed up with the Progressive Alliance and the Democratic, Independent and Green group (Digg) to assume a majority.

Council co-leader and leader of the SNP group, Richard Thomson, said: “Aberdeenshire Council flies the Saltire on a number of its buildings all year round, including Woodhill House in Aberdeen, Fraserburgh, Macduff and Banff.

“On St Andrew’s Day the council will also make special arrangements for the saltire and union flags to fly on Inverurie Town Hall and the saltire on Banchory Town Hall.”

Gordon MP Alex Salmond said: “I am delighted that the wind of change which is blowing through the corridors of Aberdeenshire Council will be blowing the saltire aloft on Inverurie and Banchory town halls.

“Scots are proud to celebrate St Andrews Day and the saltire is a symbol of that pride.”

However Conservative group leader and head of the Aberdeenshire Alliance, Jim Gifford, said there were “bigger issues to worry about” within the council.

He added: “The policy has been in place for donkey’s years to save money flying them all day every day. It was ironed out years ago.

“I have no issue with this at all. If that is what the SNP administration think is the most important thing to think about then so be it.”