John Swinney gets green light for 20ft flagpole

DEPUTY First Minister John Swinney has been given the go-ahead to erect a 20ft flagpole at his home.

John Swinney has been given the go-ahead for a large flagpole in his garden. Picture: Greg Macvean

The veteran MSP had applied to Perth and Kinross Council over plans to fly the flag in the grounds of his Blairgowrie home.

The size of the flag pole meant that the former SNP leader had to request official permission from planning chiefs.

Locals said that the 51-year-old politician is expected to raise the Saltire in his garden.

The Finance Secretary’s plans were given the green light after no objections were received from his neighbours in the Perthshire town.

In a written report, council planning officer Gillian Peebles said: “Consent is sought to erect a 6 metre high flagpole in the garden ground of a detached dwellinghouse.

“The flagpole will be a 75mm fibreglass pole with a white finish.

“This is a flat site and the location of the flagpole overlooks countryside to the south and a residential property to the east across a public footpath.

“The application site is well screened with large trees. There are also large trees located on the edge of the footpath obscuring views into the application site.

“I have no immediate concerns with the proposal due to the relatively minor nature and consider there will be no detrimental impact on the character of the surrounding area in general.”

Mr Swinney, a father-of-three who is married to journalist Elizabeth Quigley, has been given three years to erect the flagpole.

When his plans first emerged, neighbours in the area said they didn’t have any concerns.

Erle Bullions, 55, said: “I have a six metre flagpole in my garden and change the flag on it every so often. They are quite common around this area.

“If Mr Swinney puts one up in his garden he’ll be joining the elite.

“I think he’ll put up a Saltire. That’s the most common flag to be seen around here. I don’t think it would annoy anyone in the area - it helps give the community a sense of spirit.”

Another neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “Flagpoles are quite common around this area. If one got put up in my neighbour’s garden I certainly wouldn’t complain.”