08/08/2013

Savile Themed Parade Float Criticised

A Jimmy Savile themed float, entered into a fancy-dress competition during a parade in the Scottish Borders, has been described as "distasteful" and in "plain bad taste".

The float, which was part of a Lauder Common Riding parade, featured a man dressed as Savile and several other men dressed as schoolgirls.

It is understood that members of a local club, the Twenty 10 Club, entered the float and won 3rd prize in the Best Vehicle category.

MSP for the area, Christine Grahame, criticised the inclusion of the float, saying that common sense should have stopped the float from taking part.

Responding to criticism on their Facebook page organisers said: "We have never censored anyone who has entered the event. It is up to the individuals who enter and their conscience to decide how they wish to express themselves and approach the event.

"People spectate and take part of their own free will. This year we did not receive any complaints about any of the entrants.

"We are obviously dismayed and understand that people are upset by the coverage one of the entries has received; however, we would reiterate that the committee does not condone or condemn the individual's right to enter the parade in their own way."

(MH/IT)

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