'What's the big deal? I can't believe people would object'

Formantine is far from alone in using the Lion Rampant in its logo - many football clubs do, including Rangers and Dundee Utd.

The threat of footing a bill for thousands of pounds is a serious cause for concern for any small side with a heraldic logo. And for Jock Kinnell, chairman of Lochgelly Albert FC in Fife, whose logo is a quarterpaned shield and includes a lion rampant, not only is the threat worrying, it's also an unpleasant surprise.

"Personally, I find it hard to believe that they would take this (issue] up. What's the big deal about it?

"These teams are just trying to be recognised, make themselves look professional and maybe try to attract some sponsorship," he said.

"This certainly concerns me and I think it would certainly concern a lot of other teams - we couldn't afford to register our one - but I can't believe people would object to these logos."

William Ross, vice-chairman of John O'Groats FC, was similarly surprised: "It would be a complete shock to me if we were to find ourselves in a similar situation to Formartine. I wasn't aware that you did have to register the logos.

He said that in addition to the financial implications, there were emotional reasons not to change the side's logo, which is a quarterpaned shield containing two lions rampant, barrels and a ship.

"We find it hard enough to keep going as it is," he said. "We're just a small side and if we had this situation it would certainly be the end of us, but more than that, it (the logo] is what we play for."

Both men said that they would be discussing Formartine's situation with their club committees.