Inverness: a city divided on King Charles III's coronation and the future of the monarchy?
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Inverness and surrounding communities appeared deeply divided in the run up to the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
While some will spend tomorrow heartily celebrating the formal investiture, others will condemn the pomp, ceremony and expense of the historic occasion.
Shades of opinion lie in between, with some sceptically disinterested and others mildly supportive and curious to witness a spectacle not seen since Elizabeth II’s succession 70 years ago.
Given the intensity of social media debate in the digital age, it has never been easier to promote strong monarchist or republican standpoints – and stir a reaction.
Highland Council was forced to remove a post announcing the lighting up of Inverness Town House and Ness Bridge to mark the occasion, telling the Courier the sheer weight of responses was too great for them to moderate those comments which may breach their social media policy.
As our look back at the Queen’s coronation of 1953 within these pages demonstrates, there was greater reverence and less venom in debate and discussions in more mild-mannered and less connected times.
Certainly, the run-up to the big day has exposed a sharp split in local views.
There was both support and furore voiced in heated online exchanges after Highland Council announced it would light up Inverness Town House and Ness Bridge in the red, white and blue of the Union Jack.
Our elected representatives have been just as divided as the public, as you will see on page seen of today’s paper.
Highland MSP Emma Roddick, a Scottish National Party politician now serving as the Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees, gave voice to her feelings in reaction to the coronation lighting controversy.
She said: “I am a Republican (and) no fan of a system which rewards generational wealth and bloodlines over democracy and fairness.
“We have no say in who is our King. Not only that, we’re in a situation where folk are terrified of turning their heating on but hundreds of millions are being spent on showing off the ‘divine right’ of a man who is already king.
“I do not understand funding this over-the-top, eye-wateringly expensive party.”
Sir Edward Mountain, a baronet and Highland MSP for the Scottish Conservatives, said: “I fully understand that there are different opinions regarding the monarchy, but it does form part of the fabric and history of this United Kingdom.
“I do hope that we can all agree that a coronation ceremony plays an important function in our constitution, whereby the monarch takes an oath to uphold the law.
“This act affirms our democracy. It is also a time to celebrate and rejoice in our country’s historic traditions, which have lasted hundreds of years.”
On the street, people we spoke to in Inverness were equally polarised.
Enid, an older woman, said: “I think it is a total waste of money. They live in a dream world, not the real world.”
Colin admitted he would be involved in a coronation event, but nevertheless added: “Someone who is a billionaire taking tax-payers money, in the current state of the country? That’s not for me.”
Ian, though, said: “I remember the Queen’s coronation when I was only nine, everyone in the village gathered around a black and white television.
“I’m looking forward to how Charles will modernise the monarchy.
“He’s into the environment and other issues I think are important; a well-balanced and caring person.”
Tommy was also set to watch the event, adding: “The monarchy is good for tourism and it’s a day off.”
Pro and anti-monarchy comments exploded in reaction to coverage of the row over lighting public buildings, which prompted Highland Council to remove its own social media post.
Amid a storm of comments, Lorraine Mann called the lighting “offensive”, while Mata Druim said: “I think it is really terrible they are doing this especially considering seven out of 10 Scots want nothing to do with the coronation.”
But Elizabeth Macdonald said: “I am very proud to be Scottish and just as proud to be British and I think it is great that we get involved in the north of Scotland. A wee bit of celebration does you good. God save the King.”
