Home town of deep-fried Mars bar tries to disown Scotland’s alternative national dish
A SCOTTISH chip shop has been asked to remove a banner hailing it as the home of the deep-fried Mars bar.
The Carron Fish Bar in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, advertises itself as the “birthplace of the world famous deepfried Mars bar” with a large sign on the side of the shop.
Owners say it attracts thousands of tourists from around the world to try it every year but the local council wants the banner to come down as part of a plan to “improve the look” of Stonehaven.
The deep-fried Mars bar has become emblematic of the stereotypically unhealthy Scottish diet and is often referred to as one of the country’s other national dishes, after haggis.
In 2012, Mars confectioners wrote to the owners of the chip shop seeking a disclaimer to distance itself from the recipe.
Mars said the banner was “against its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles”. Lorraine Watson, the chip shop’s owner, said she was happy to put a disclaimer on the main menu but is refusing to remove the banner.
Mrs Watson told BBC Scotland: “Thousands and thousands of tourists come from all over the world to purchase the deep-fried Mars bar from the birthplace.
“They stand outside under the banner with their Mars bar, smiling from ear to ear, then go home and let all their friends and family see it. We have no idea why the council would want this banner taken down, bearing in mind it brings thousands of visitors to the town.”
Aberdeenshire council said it did not want to stop the owners promoting their business.
A spokesman said: “Together with a range of community organisations, we have been looking at ways to improve the look of Stonehaven for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors. We have asked some owners in the area to consider making alterations to their properties.
“This included asking the owners of The Carron Fish Bar to consider removing their banner.
“We do not wish to prevent the owners from promoting their business and we would be happy to have discussions with them regarding the banner.”