East Ayrshire councillors reject ‘very British' daily flag raising

The National

27-06-2025

Conservative councillor Neill Watts had proposed flying the three flags every day at the London Road HQ in Kilmarnock, describing it as 'a very British way of expressing joy and pride' and 'a symbol of unity.'
His motion suggested that these flags be flown daily except when a different flag is more appropriate for special occasions.
However, the proposal was met with strong opposition, particularly from Labour group leader councillor Barry Douglas, who questioned both the practicality and its similarity to moves at Reform UK run councils in England.
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He challenged the resource implications, asking whether flags would be installed at all council buildings, how much that would cost, and who would be tasked with raising and lowering the flags.
'There's a cost involved in all of that,' Douglas said. 'Raising and lowering flags takes staff. Are council officers to stop their duties to do this every day?'
He also took issue with Watts' description of the Conservatives as 'Scotland's strongest unionist party,' suggesting the recent general election results told a different story. 'Are we really talking about community cohesion,' he asked, 'or making a political point around the flag?'
Labour councillor Peter Mabon also opposed the move, stating that while flags were appropriate on special days, raising them daily would eat into officer time.
He said: 'We're talking about 200-plus hours every year in all weathers to raise and lower flags. Our officers have enough to do.'
Barry Douglas (Image: LDR) SNP council leader Douglas Reid also opposed the motion, expressing support for the current approach. 'We've got a policy that's lasted before my time as leader. Raising flags for special occasions, like Ukraine or Rainbow Flag (for Pride), makes it meaningful. Changing that sends the wrong message.'
Conservative councillor John McFadzean argued the proposal was modest in scale. 'For all the time it would take to hook on one flag and wind it up, there's not a huge implication. Civic pride helps lift morale.'
Douglas responded by drawing parallels with Reform UK-run councils in England, where flag-related motions have gained traction.
He acknowledged Watts' claim that he had been approached by Reform but had declined. 'Maybe he wants to tell the chamber something today. It is a big issue for Reform, but why is it such a big issue for him?'
Chief governance officer David Mitchell then intervened to clarify that there is no East Ayrshire Council flag. 'There has never been a council flag and we certainly don't have one at the moment.'
Watts denied any political motive, explaining his motion was based on personal observation.
'I would be more than happy just to have a flag – it doesn't matter whether it's the Saltire, it doesn't matter whether it's the flag of the United Kingdom,
'I just think that we should have at least a flag at this building as a mark of respect to our communities.'
He also reiterated his Conservative affiliation and rejected any association with Reform. 'I certainly am a Conservative and I am nowhere near Reform in that respect.'
In the end, councillors voted overwhelmingly to maintain the current flag policy, with 24 voting in favour of an amendment to retain existing arrangements and just four supporting the motion.