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Daily Record
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Renfrewshire Council won't be able to fly burgh flag for Johnstone despite decision from councillors
Local authority encounters "problem" that effectively means it does not have the power to display the emblem at this time. Renfrewshire Council won't be able to fly the old burgh coat of arms for Johnstone as planned – despite a recent decision from elected members to do so. Provost Lorraine Cameron has confirmed the local authority encountered a "problem" that effectively means it does not have the power to display that particular emblem at this time. The council had intended to fly the burgh flag in the town's Houstoun Square but could now fly the flag of Johnstone Burgh Football Club instead following their Scottish Junior Cup win in June. There are no such issues in the case of Renfrew, however, because the community council petitioned to matriculate its arms to the group in 1987. In an update to councillors, Provost Cameron explained: "Unfortunately, we have uncovered a problem in respect of Johnstone. "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. "Unlike Renfrew, there has never been any such petition in Johnstone, so currently no one has the right to fly a flag bearing that coat of arms. Were the council to do so, the Lord Lyon has criminal enforcement powers. "Accordingly, we will not be able to fly the old burgh coat of arms in Johnstone as envisaged in the council decision, unless a local group, like the community council, petitions the Lord Lyon. "I have asked what this would involve and have been told that even if there is an organisation that could petition to matriculate the Johnstone coat of arms it could take 30 to 36 months to complete the process. "So, in the absence of the power to fly the burgh flag in Johnstone, I am proposing, in honour of their recent success, that we fly the flag of Johnstone Burgh Football Club until April 2026 when the Renfrewshire Council flag will be raised in respect of the anniversary of the council. "If a local Johnstone group decides to petition the Lord Lyon for matriculation of the flag, the council can revisit the issue if they are successful." Councillor Andy Doig, an independent representative for the village, said he was "hopeful" one of the 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."
Glasgow Times
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Plan to fly old burgh coat of arms in Johnstone 'not possible'
Provost Lorraine Cameron has confirmed the local authority encountered a 'problem' that effectively means it does not have the power to display that particular emblem at this time. The council had intended to fly the burgh flag in the town's Houstoun Square but could now fly the flag of Johnstone Burgh Football Club instead following their Scottish Junior Cup win in June. There are no such issues in the case of Renfrew, however, because the community council petitioned to matriculate its arms to the group in 1987. In an update to councillors, Provost Cameron explained: 'Unfortunately, we have uncovered a problem in respect of Johnstone. '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. 'Unlike Renfrew, there has never been any such petition in Johnstone, so currently no one has the right to fly a flag bearing that coat of arms. 'Were the council to do so, the Lord Lyon has criminal enforcement powers. 'Accordingly, we will not be able to fly the old burgh coat of arms in Johnstone as envisaged in the council decision, unless a local group, like the community council, petitions the Lord Lyon. 'I have asked what this would involve and have been told that even if there is an organisation that could petition to matriculate the Johnstone coat of arms it could take 30 to 36 months to complete the process. 'So, in the absence of the power to fly the burgh flag in Johnstone, I am proposing, in honour of their recent success, that we fly the flag of Johnstone Burgh Football Club until April 2026 when the Renfrewshire Council flag will be raised in respect of the anniversary of the council. 'If a local Johnstone group decides to petition the Lord Lyon for matriculation of the flag, the council can revisit the issue if they are successful.' Councillor Andy Doig, an independent representative for the village, said he was 'hopeful' one of the 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.'
Edinburgh Reporter
09-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Edinburgh Councillor granted leave of absence
A leave of absence has been granted for an Edinburgh councillor facing a long stretch of ill health. Green councillor Jule Bandel, representing Inverleith, has been unable to engage in council business since 24 January 2025. The Local Government (Scotland) Act says that if a councillor does not attend a meeting for six months, they lose their role, unless the council agrees there is a reason for the absence. A report seen by the full council on Thursday said that officers had seen a letter written by Cllr Bandel's doctors which said she was unable to work or attend meetings. As such, officers recommended that councillors approve a leave of absence for her. Greens co-convener, councillor Chas Booth, said: 'Unfortunately Jule is still extremely unwell. She has been effectively bedridden since mid-February and is unable to even join a Teams call. 'We all miss her greatly and wish her a speedy recovery and we hope that this report, together with the Green addendum, will allow some time for that recovery. 'In many ways the requirement to go through this process has highlighted some of the inherent ableism in the way in which holding elected office does not offer the same workplace protections as other forms of employment. 'As the council continues to work on tackling barriers to elected office, I hope that this is something we will be addressing.' Lord Provost Robert Aldridge replied, saying: 'I don't think there is any disagreement, so if we could just agree the report?' Councillors proceeded to verbally agree to the report. If the report had not been agreed to, Cllr Bandel would have ceased to be a councillor on 25 July. A Green group addendum to the report added the requirement that the October full council meeting will contain an updated report on Cllr Bandel's condition. By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
09-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Edinburgh councillor granted leave of absence due to long-term ill health
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now An Edinburgh councillor has been granted leave of absence due to long-term ill health. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Green councillor Jule Bandel, representing Inverleith, has been unable to engage in council business since 24 January 2025. The Local Government (Scotland) Act says that if a councillor does not attend a meeting for six months, they lose their role, unless the council agrees there is a reason for the absence. Jule Bandel has been unable to engage in council business since January | LDR Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A report seen by the full council on Thursday said that officers had seen a letter written by Cllr Bandel's doctors which said she was unable to work or attend meetings. As such, officers recommended that councillors approve a leave of absence for her. Greens co-convener, councillor Chas Booth, said: 'Unfortunately Jule is still extremely unwell. She has been effectively bedridden since mid-February and is unable to even join a Teams call. 'We all miss her greatly and wish her a speedy recovery and we hope that this report, together with the Green addendum, will allow some time for that recovery. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'In many ways the requirement to go through this process has highlighted some of the inherent ableism in the way in which holding elected office does not offer the same workplace protections as other forms of employment. 'As the council continues to work on tackling barriers to elected office, I hope that this is something we will be addressing.' Lord Provost Robert Aldridge replied, saying: 'I don't think there is any disagreement, so if we could just agree the report?' Councillors proceeded to verbally agree to the report. If the report had not been agreed to, Cllr Bandel would have ceased to be a councillor on 25 July. A Green group addendum to the report added the requirement that the October full council meeting will contain an updated report on Cllr Bandel's condition.
Edinburgh Live
09-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh councillor given leave of absence as colleagues wish her a 'speedy recovery'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A leave of absence has been granted for an Edinburgh councillor facing a long stretch of ill health. Green councillor Jule Bandel, representing Inverleith, has been unable to engage in council business since 24 January 2025. The Local Government (Scotland) Act says that if a councillor does not attend a meeting for six months, they lose their role, unless the council agrees there is a reason for the absence. A report seen by the full council on Thursday said that officers had seen a letter written by Cllr Bandel's doctors which said she was unable to work or attend meetings. As such, officers recommended that councillors approve a leave of absence for her. Greens co-convener, councillor Chas Booth, said: 'Unfortunately Jule is still extremely unwell. She has been effectively bedridden since mid-February and is unable to even join a Teams call. 'We all miss her greatly and wish her a speedy recovery and we hope that this report, together with the Green addendum, will allow some time for that recovery. 'In many ways the requirement to go through this process has highlighted some of the inherent ableism in the way in which holding elected office does not offer the same workplace protections as other forms of employment. 'As the council continues to work on tackling barriers to elected office, I hope that this is something we will be addressing.' Lord Provost Robert Aldridge replied, saying: 'I don't think there is any disagreement, so if we could just agree the report?' Councillors proceeded to verbally agree to the report. If the report had not been agreed to, Cllr Bandel would have ceased to be a councillor on 25 July. A Green group addendum to the report added the requirement that the October full council meeting will contain an updated report on Cllr Bandel's condition.
