FIFE COUNCIL has moved to quash rumours it gave permission for a loyalist protest in Kirkcaldy.
On Sunday evening, around 140 people campaigning against restrictions to flying the Union Jack in Northern Ireland are understood to have staged a peaceful protest in the town square.
The gathering was organised through a Facebook page called Keep the Union Flag flying over Belfast City Hall. Protests have taken place elsewhere in Scotland.
It has emerged that Fife councillors were unaware of any plans to stage a protest, following an email sent to the local authority claiming protesters “publicly thanked” the council for giving the go-ahead.
Council leader Alex Rowley said he had made enquiries and to his knowledge Fife Council did not give permission for the protest.
He said: “As far as I’m advised, no application was put in to hold any kind of protest or march in Kirkcaldy.”
Councillor Judy Hamilton said she first heard about the event when she received an email after it had happened.
She said: “I’ve spoken to the licensing team who have told me that no licence had been issued.
“I’ve also spoken to transportation and they have also issued no permission.”
Although no licence appears to have been granted for the protest, there was no suggestion from the council that any regulations had been broken by those taking part.
arobertson@thecourier.co.uk