The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Claims flag proposal flies in the face of public opinion
Angus councillors at odds over plans to hoist Red Ensign in Merchant Navy tribute
Proposals to fly the Merchant Navy’s Red Ensign in Montrose has led to the unfurling of another Angus flag row.
In 2017, the Red Ensign was flown from the Ballhouse in Montrose on Merchant Navy Day, which falls on September 3 each year.
It was then proposed that the flag would be flown in Arbroath and Montrose as the largest ports in the county in alternate years, with Second World War Merchant Navy hero Sandy Davidson invited to hoist the flag at Arbroath’s Signal Tower museum next month.
The move has been backed by council leader David Fairweather.
But the prospect of the flag returning to Montrose next year has drawn the criticism of an SNP councillor.
Montrose and District representative Bill Duff said: “I was aware that the Red Ensign was flown from Montrose Ballhouse last year, over a weekend, and after this incident I received a number of complaints from constituents who objected to the removal of the Saltire.
“As far as I am aware there was no formal approval for flying the Red Ensign last year and as a local member I was not consulted.
“I am firmly of the view that Scotland’s flag should be flown from the principle council building in the town at all times.
“There are other locations that can be deployed for flying other flags and would suggest that a flagpole at Montrose Port might be an appropriate location for flying the Red Ensign.
“I am unaware of any agreement about flying the Red Ensign from Montrose and Arbroath, and I’d be interested if Councillor Fairweather can point me to any minutes of such a meeting where this was agreed.
“I have carried out an internet poll on the issue using my Facebook page. To date, I’ve received 100 replies with 30% agreeing that the Ensign should fly and 70% supporting the Saltire at all times.”
Mr Fairweather hit back by pointing out the Red Ensign will only be flown for one day, with the Saltire taking its place for the other 364.
He said: “It was agreed some time ago that as a coastal county with a proud maritime history, Angus Council would, for one day a year, fly the Red Ensign as a mark of respect and appreciation for the contribution made by the Merchant Navy in wartime.
“This fittingly alternates between Montrose and Arbroath and this year the provost has already asked Merchant Navy veteran and war hero Mr Sandy Davidson to raise it at the Signal Tower on Merchant Navy Day.”
Angus Provost Ronnie Proctor said the proposal remains to fly the Red Ensign in Montrose next year.