One gas beacon will be lit at Dumbarton Castle as part of the celebration for the Queen’s platinum jubilee this year.
Members of West Dunbartonshire Council’s cultural committee have decided to purchase one beacon instead of the recommended two which will be lit on June 2 in recognition of Her Majesty’s 70-year reign.
The other beacon would have been lit at the Titan Crane in Clydebank but members felt that there was no need for both as the two towns are no longer in separate burghs.
Chairman Baillie Denis Agnew said: “I know it is suggested that we light two beacons within West Dunbartonshire.
“As we have the castle in Dumbarton and the proclamation will be made from that castle which is royal, I would say that one beacon would suffice.
“I think the gas beacon is right and proper but I think we should only have one. I mean no disrespect to the rest of West Dunbartonshire but we can’t keep on duplicating everything.”
The beacon, which will cost £490 will be stored away and kept for future occasions. The local authority will use its own qualified gas fitters to construct and operate the beacon.
Council leader Jonathon McColl agreed with the suggestion as he felt that the council shouldn’t need to duplicate everything across the constituency.
Councillor McColl said: “While I don’t have an issue with the recommendations as they are, I think what you are saying is perfectly sensible.
“One of the things I really dislike in the nearly 15 years I have been a councillor, is this need to duplicate things in each of the two main towns as somehow it is still two separate burghs.
“I am minded to support the suggestion of one beacon at Dumbarton Castle which is one of three royal castles in Scotland.”
Celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee long weekend will take place from Thursday, June 2 until Sunday, June 4.
