ObservercallsforStirlingtofollowbigcityshopkeepers

There was anger among Stirling shopkeepers after it emerged they faced being ‘kept in the dark’ for much of the run-up to Christmas, 1918.

Regulations were introduced during the war curbing the lighting in shops for fear of air attacks and also to save energy.

However, following the signing of the Armistice, the order was relaxed in England so that from December 9, 1918, shopkeepers there were granted permission to use lights to illuminate their Christmas display.

However, the Government’s Board of Trade, which varied the order, made no such concession for Scotland.

Shops north of the border were told they could only light up their Festive windows from December 20, 1918, until the following January 4.

The Observer fumed that this showed how little English-based civil servants knew about Scotland.

‘No doubt they think that only New Year is observed in Scotland when seasonable shopping will be done, and are not aware of the big Christmas trade,’ said the paper.

‘In any case it is stupidity or blundering or both and Stirling shopkeepers are as adversely affected as others.’

Mr GR Jenkins, president of Stirling Merchants’ Association, following discussion with members, contacted the Government calling for the ‘injustice’ to be removed.

The move was unsuccessful. In a telegram, a Board of Trade penpusher replied: ‘Your telegram today relative (to) shop window lighting. Board regret unable to vary decision with regard to date for relaxation (of ) Lighting, Heating and Power Order.’

The Observer was angry at the Government’s refusal to explain the reasoning behind the decision and noted that some Scottish towns and cities were already defying the restriction.

Shopkeepers in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee were lighting their windows at night and the Observer hoped merchants in Stirling would do the same.

‘We don’t think the local authorities would institute a prosecution in the circumstances and even if they did, the advertisement would be worth the cost and it would be very little ,’ the paper added.

‘Besides it would show the shopkeepers have the courage of their convictions,’

Stirling Town Council discussed circulars on the subject from the Board of Trade and the Scottish Office.

Judge McCulloch noted the disappointment among shopkeepers regarding the decision not to lift the order.

Provost Raffan insisted councillors had “done all they could” to get the Christmas lighting up order changed, adding: “The dates are certainly not suitable for Scotland.”

Meanwhile, the council also considered a letter from Stirling and District Trades Council calling for the ringing of the ‘morning bell, at 5.30am, to be re-started. Pressure for the move was particularly strong in some parts of the town.

Ex-Dean Menzies was unenthusiastic, adding: ‘When people are lying in their beds the ringing of bells at 5.30am can be nothing more or less than a nuisance.’

The letter was remitted to the burgh committee for further consideration.

No doubt they think that only New Year is observed in Scotland