Renfrewshire Council won't be able to fly burgh flag for Johnstone despite decision from councillors
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."
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