City adopts a blue mood to mark last day in the EU

BREXIT: Prominent buildings will be lit in colour as European supporters plan events

Dundee will turn blue today as the UK formally leaves the European Union.

Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU and all today’s events have been organised as wakes, rather than celebrations.

In Dundee, public buildings and spaces including the Caird Hall, Dundee House, Seabraes and Slessor Gardens will be lit blue to mark the end of the UK’S EU membership.

SNP councillor Will Dawson, who chaired the city council’s cross-party Brexit group said: “My biggest regret about this whole situation is with regards to the opportunities that our young people will lose.

“Things such as the right of free movement, which has been enshrined in the EU and allowed people to learn, live, work and travel in Europe without barriers.

“What must be remembered in all of this, though, is that Dundee is very much a European and international city. It is a melting pot of different nationalities, languages and customs. After all, we’re all Jock Tamson’s bairns.”

Mr Dawson added: “We will mark the occasion by turning the Caird Hall – after the concert that night – Seabraes, Dundee House, the railway station and Slessor Gardens blue.

“In my view, this is both reflecting our European connection for those of us that still do not wish to leave but to also mark the last date of European membership for those that do.”

Thedundeeandangusindependence Group is also staging its own event this evening.

At 5pm it will use candles to recreate the EU flag in the City Square before marching up Reform Street to the Mcmanus.

There, a lone piper will play a lament before a lone candle is left on the museum steps alongside a Saltire and an EU flag. In Perth, the Perth4europe group will hold a rally on the Queen’s Bridge at 10.30pm to mark leaving the EU. EU supporters are being asked to bring flags and placards.

Meanwhile, a day of action will take place in Kirriemuir. A 12-and-a-half hour vigil will begin in the Square at 11am. A similar event will take place in Kirkcaldy from 7pm.

Holyrood’s Brexit Secretary Mike Russell also pledged Scotland will be back in the European Union and the remaining members should “leave a light on” for the country.

And two of the Scottish Government’s main buildings – St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh and Victoria Quay in Glasgow – will be lit in the blue and yellow of the European flag today.

Picture: Kris Miller. Dundee city councillor Will Dawson said he deeply regrets leaving the EU and said buildings in the city will be lit blue for the occasion today.