A SCOTTISH council which made headlines with plans to sell a rare number-plate for a “six-figure sum” is still looking for a buyer one year on.
The Labour-run East Renfrewshire Council said it is “confident” it will eventually be able to sell the HS 0 plate for more than £100,000.
News that the plate would be put on sale was first reported in January 2023, with the council saying at the time that the number plate serves “no real purpose” and would be viewed by many as “an unnecessary extravagance”.
The council said the sale has been identified as a potential way to generate income amid an “extremely tough” financial landscape.
There were suggestions that it could be bought by a celebrity with HS initials, such as popstar Harry Styles or kids TV presenter Helen Skelton.
According to valuation website Regtransfers.co.uk, plates with “HS” can fetch high prices.
Its valuers told the PA news agency in early 2023 that the HS 0 plate could fetch up to £150,000, but given how unusual it is it could potentially fetch more at auction.
HS 91 was listed on the website at £23,495 and 9 HS was listed for £136,495.
Registrations with fewer characters attract a higher value, particularly those with an individual’s initials.
The council said the registration plate is particularly unusual due to the fact that most registrations start from the number one.
In 2024, a spokesperson for the council confirmed that a buyer had not yet been found for the HS 0 plate.
They said: “Our historic number plate is still for sale and we remain confident it will fetch a six-figure sum.”
