Lanyard colour causes an outcry

Councillors demanded the colour of their ID lanyards be changed from ‘ Tory’ blue.

South Ayrshire Council bosses were forced to make neutral black security ropes available instead.

Ayr West councillor Derek McCabe, said: “Some of us Conservative councillors think this is a real waste of time. The ID card is important - not the colour of the lanyards. Some of the councillors were seen wearing SNP lanyards before this happened. It seems petty if councillors would not wear a blue lanyard because it is a Conservative colour. Have they nothing else to concern themselves with?

Another source said: “It was a Tory colour of blue. It caused disquiet .”

Council chief executive Eileen Howat sent out an email to councillors telling them black lanyards were available for collection after reports of some politicians being unhappy with them.

A council spokesman said: “Security plays an important role at County Buildings and our ID badges help to easily identify people that have been cleared for access. “We were recently asked to provide an alternative colour of lanyard for councillors, which have now been made available to all those who want them.”

Councillor Douglas Campbell said: “There has been no request by the SNP group for a specific lanyard colour. “The council has two recognised lanyard colours. One is a light blue which supports the South Ayrshire Way and one is black. Both are available to staff and councillors.”

H e added: “Personally I favour the black lanyard as it clearly states South Ayrshire in white letters over the black background.”