Backlash against Highland Council plan to light up Inverness landmarks for coronation

Ness Bridge and Inverness Town House are to be illuminated for the coronation of the King and Queen Consort – but not everybody is happy.

Highland Council, announced yesterday that Ness Bridge and Inverness Town House will be specially lit from May 1-9 to mark the coronation, which takes place on Saturday, May 6.

The initiative, it said, will be supported by the Inverness Common Good Fund.

While some welcomed the news a large number of respondents on the council's social media feeds were unhappy at the announcement.

Suzanne Wright asked: "How is celebrating the coronation of an obscenely wealthy unelected head of state in the interests of the Common Good?

"I thought these funds are supposed to benefit communities?"

Katie Heron agreed: "I don’t think this is for the common good. Maybe have a collection from all the people who’d like a subservient light show and spend our money on actual common good things. There’s a lot to choose from."

In response to other criticisms that the money could be better spent Glen Wallace responded: "The common good fund isn't council money and isn't otherwise spent on council services. The lights are there anyway, so the cost of lighting them is fairly minimal."

Carol Elliot took the same line: "The light effects are on the bridge anyway and are used to highlight lots of causes/celebrations."

Janet Robertson is a fan of the plan.

She said: "It is part of our children's and grandchildren's history, I am a pensioner and I am glad Inverness is doing something to mark this historic event s I think it is only right that children get to witness this."

And Jacqueline Lewis said: "It's amazing the amount of money the tourists bring into the UK due to our Royal family. That's a bonus."

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