Discussion on flying Johnstone Burgh FC flag in town's Houstoun Square set to take place
A discussion on whether to fly the flag of Johnstone Burgh Football Club in the town's Houstoun Square is expected to take place next month.
Provost Lorraine Cameron suggested the idea after it was confirmed Renfrewshire Council wouldn't be able to unfurl the old burgh coat of arms as originally planned.
This was because the local authority had learned it effectively does not have the power to display that particular emblem at this time.
As a result, the provost proposed to fly the flag of Johnstone Burgh FC until April 2026 instead, following their Scottish Junior Cup win in June, but this has also hit an obstacle.
In an update to elected members on Thursday, she said: "I write to inform you that following on from my email to you last week I have received correspondence from three councillors who do not agree with the Johnstone Burgh FC flag flying from the flagpole as I suggested.
"Therefore, I will refrain from making arrangements to fly the flag until after discussion at the next full council meeting."
In her initial email, the provost explained why the council couldn't fly the old burgh flag in Houstoun Square – despite a recent decision from elected members to do so.
She said: "Following the council meeting, [the head of corporate governance] contacted the Lord Lyon's office to confirm what was the correct coat of arms for Johnstone Burgh and to confirm who had permission to fly it.
"The response received from the Lord Lyon's office was that under the Local Government (Scotland) Act, the status of 'Burgh' was abolished in 1975.
"They have stated that this makes the 1955 Grant of Arms to the Burgh of Johnstone redundant and therefore they may not be displayed."
There were no such issues in the case of Renfrew, however, because the community council petitioned to matriculate its arms to the group in 1987. The flag was subsequently raised at the town hall in Hairst Street on Thursday, July 31.
Councillor Andy Doig, an independent representative for Johnstone North, previously said he was "hopeful" one of the town's community groups would pick up the mantle and petition the Lord Lyon for approval.
"That would be great if they wanted to do that," he added. "But I feel that it sticks in my throat that we're hidebound by these sort of medieval rules.
"I agree with the provost's suggestion, however, and I think it's wise under the circumstances. Johnstone Burgh Football Club did so well and everyone wants to recognise that."
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