Gay standard adopted but councillors at odds over where to fly flags

Its adoption brooked no dissent when the council met and voted to erect three new flagpoles at ground level outside SBC’s Newtown headquarters.

A review of the current policy had recommended that option to replace the single pole above the landmark tower, thus allowing the Saltire, the Union flag and one other to be flown simultaneously.

As reported in these columns, the review had concluded that the current flag flying policy did “little to further SBC’s equality duties”.

The rainbow flag was last raised at Newtown in 2006 to mark the launch of the local LGBT forum but, since then, requests for it to be displayed again have been refused because, under current policy, it was deemed to represent a “special interest group”.

Now, however, it will take its place on an approved list which includes the standards of the Commonwealth, the European Union and Armed Forces Day and will thus occupy the third flagpole on designated days.

These approved flags will also be hoisted on such special occasions at Jedburgh Town Hall and Kelso’s Town House.

There will be no change to the practice of flying the Saltire at all other times and the Union flag on the Queen’s birthday, official birthday and during Remembrance week.

While no councillor took issue with the rainbow flag’s adoption, not all elected members favoured the multi-flagpole option at Newtown despite hearing that the cost of installation was not the £4,000 detailed in the report, but rather £2,500.

Indeed, Councillor Gordon Edgar (Ind, Selkirkshire), executive member for roads, wanted the council to abandon the flying of flags altogether.

“We all know flags can unite, but in many cases, they divide communities and there is no tradition of flag flying in the Borders. This report does not address the sensitivities, awkwardness and embarrassment of flying flags. My main argument, however, is the revenue costs of flag flying which, I understand, is £10,000 a year. That’s enough to buy five lorry loads of tar for our roads and I’d much rather see the money spent on that.” His motion calling for “no flags” failed to find a seconder.

Councillor Willie Archibald (SNP, Tweeddale West) moved against the multiple flagpole option.

“I accept the equalities requirement for other flags to be flown, but believe, with that addition, that the current system serves us well. The high flagpole at Newtown gives us great visibility and I’m sure the people of Peebles, Eyemouth and Hawick will take a dim view of spending precious money on this.” He believed a better alternative would be to install a European flag within the debating chamber which currently hosts both Saltire and Union flags.

He was supported by council leader David Parker (Ind, Melrose & Leaderdale).

“One of the reasons our flagpoles are high is to minimise the risk of vandalism,” said Councillor Parker. “A flag has flown from the top of our tower for a decade and I see no reason for change.

“I would personally have flown the South African flag at half-mast during Nelson Mandela’s funeral but the old protocol would not allow this. The new policy will give us this flexibility, but I see no need for the extra expense of three new poles.” Councillor Simon Mountford (Con, Kelso) backed the three flagpole recommendation.

“This provides a pragmatic recognition of the constitutional reality that we are both Scottish and British, although I hope that when the poles are erected something is done to improve the side of the headquarters building which is an overgrown wasteland of brambles,” said Mr Mountford.

An impassioned plea in favour of the three poles came from Councillor Michael Cook (Ind, East Berwickshire).

“If we ever needed reminded that flags can be a symbol of enmity we need only look to South Carolina and the controversy over the Confederate Flag,” said Mr Cook.

“The three flagpole option gives us the chance to remind ourselves of our commonality and our concentric loyalties and to really reflect the cosmompolitan nature of the Borders. It is a motif for a retreat from bitterness.

“If you guys really think £2,500 is too much to send this important message and bring our community together, then I suggest you look at our petrol expenses [a reference to the £52,000 travel expenses claimed by the 34 elected members last year].” On a division, the three flagpole option was approved by 16 votes to nine.

A counter amendment from Councillor Donald Moffat (SNP, Mid Berwickshire) demanding that Coldstream should be a site of continuous flag flying from its Gateway building, was earlier defeated by 15 votes to 8.

Watching the debate from the public gallery was Alistair Lings, chair of the Borders Bisexual, Lesbian and Gay Group.

“The belated acceptance of the rainbow flag sends out a very positive signal,” said Mr Lings from Galashiels.

“I’m only sorry that the Commonwealth flag is still on the approved list when 41 out of 52 Commonwealth member countries continue to treat homosexuality as a criminal offence.”