Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Billboard erected as part of Jubilee protest
A LARGE poster calling for the monarchy to be abolished has been erected in Dundee ahead of the Queen’s Jubilee.
The billboard calling for Queen Elizabeth to be the last serving monarch appeared in the Hilltown as part of a campaign targeted at Friday’s Platinum Jubilee.
Campaign group Republic paid £600 for the advert at the junction of Paterson Street and Strathmartine Road.
Members of the movement are calling for the monarchy to be abolished and be replaced by an elected head of state.
A spokesman for Republic confirmed the message was delivered as part of a planned response to the upcoming Jubilee celebrations.
Showing a picture of heirs Prince Andrew, Prince William and Prince Charles, the poster will remain in place for two weeks.
A spokesman for Republic said a similar campaign is running in Glasgow.
He added: “We know most people aren’t interested in the Jubilee, especially in Scotland.
“We also know support for the monarchy is dropping across the UK.
“The idea is to get people thinking critically about the monarchy.
“The main message is whatever you think about the Queen, the monarchy must now go.
“The prospect of King Charles and then William is not an exciting one.”
The poster has had mixed reviews in Dundee, with some defending the Royal Family while others hailed the right to free speech.
David Hovell from Carnoustie called the billboard a “disgrace”.
He said: “I just think this is a disgrace that this has been installed in Dundee.
“The Queen has done no harm to anybody. She has served the country well.
“The poster should be taken down now, immediately.
“It is meant to be a time of celebration for people across the UK.
“While I sympathise there are wider issues with poverty and drugs, getting rid of the monarchy isn’t going to solve these problems.”
Jack Horne called the poster “eye-catching” and believes the group is entitled to free speech.
The 33-year-old added: “It hasn’t been something I’d given a moment’s thought regarding the purpose the monarchy serves.
“It has always been the norm that I’ve known to have them in place.
“I would be inclined to read more from their (Republic) site as to the reasons why they believe the monarchy should be abolished.
“It would also make me want to research the pros of having a monarchy in place.
“I’m certainly for free speech and see no issue with the poster.
“The group have paid for their advertisement legally.”