Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Fuming SNP councillors hit out yesterday after they were ordered to remove the flag of Scotland from their office...because it breaks health and safety rules.

The Nationalists had proudly displayed the Saltire in the window of their base at Renfrewshire Council’s HQ in Cotton Street, Paisley, but were left stunned when officials told them to take it down.

And the bizarre ban has left the SNP team feeling a little cross.

Councillor Brian Lawson, who is SNP group leader in Renfrewshire, said an e-mail arrived from the council’s chief executive, David Martin, in which the flag was given its marching orders.

He added: “I told Mr Martin that we would not be taking it down and he would have to take it down himself or get one of his staff to take it down.

“When we came into the office the next day, the flag had been taken down and left on my desk.

“It’s a shame that the national flag of Scotland is now somehow a hazard to good health and safety practice and is in breach of the council’s clean desk policy.

“As I walk round the rest of the council offices, there are currently dozens of desks covered in tinsel and Christmas decorations, including many in the chief executive’s department.

“It seems you can put Christmas decorations up but can’t display the flag of Scotland.”

And Councillor Kenny MacLaren, deputy leader of the SNP group, said: “It is a sad day when our national flag is treated in this manner.”

In the e-mail sent to Councillor Lawson, who represents the Paisley East and Ralston ward, Mr Martin wrote: “As you will be aware, council offices operate a clear office and clean desk policy to promote good information management/security, good health and safety practice and efficient and effective cleaning and maintenance of the buildings, windows and general office environment.

“Part of this is to keep the office windows clear and employees, trades unions, political groups and organisations who are tenants of the council should all be aware of this.”

Yesterday, council chiefs defended the move.

A spokesman said: “The same approach applies to any political party or organisation which is accommodated at the council headquarters.

“We aim to promote effective working and having a clear working environment supports that approach.

“Keeping office windows clear assists with the cleaning and maintenance of the building. That is why the flag was taken down.”