Petitioners are flying flag to save steel sculpture

A blacksmith has been ordered to remove his patriotic sculpture of a silver figure clutching a St Andrew’s cross flag.

More than 2,000 furious supporters have signed a petition to save the steel sculpture, known as The Flag Bearer, from a rooftop in Kinghorn, Fife.

The eye-catching piece was erected on the top of Archway Metals five weeks ago and has become an instant hit.

The six-and-a-half-feet tall piece is made up of more than 5,000 pieces of steel, and took seven weeks to create.

However, Fife Council has ordered Andy Davies, who created the piece of art and owns the blacksmiths, to remove the stunning creation within 28 days.

They claim the statue is “unauthorised” and is in a conservation area which affects a listed building nearby.

Thousands of Scots have now backed the Save Flag Holder petition, with some even branding the council “disgusting”.

John Mallin, who created the petition, wrote: “A local blacksmith made a statue to hold a Scottish flag and installed it above his shop, council officials have told him he has 28 days to remove it.

“This is wrong as he spent time and effort making it and locals admire what has been done.”

Hundreds of people have left messages on the petition, with some accusing the council of having an issue with the saltire.