Workers abused while removing flags for Christmas lights

Aberdeen City Council said flags needed to be removed on safety grounds

Workers have been threatened while removing flags from lampposts to put up Christmas lights in Aberdeen.

Flags including saltires were put up in towns and cities across Scotland earlier this year after a social media campaign by a group behind an anti-asylum seeker protest.

Aberdeen City Council said workers in the Kincorth area had now been subjected to verbal threats.

The council said items such as flags had to be removed to allow safe installation of Christmas lights, and that abuse would not be tolerated.

The local authority said it was issuing an appeal to the community due to the safety concerns raised.

"Aberdeen City Council is committed to creating a festive and welcoming environment for all residents and visitors during the holiday season," a statement said.

"Our teams have been working hard to install Christmas lights across the city to bring joy and celebration to our communities.

"Unfortunately, during recent installation works on Provost Watt Drive, members of our contracted team were subjected to verbal threats while carrying out their duties.

"These actions are unacceptable and have raised serious concerns for the safety of our workers."

The council said it happened in the Kincorth area

The council added that the incidents have been reported to Police Scotland.

The statement said: "Our priority is to complete the festive light installation so that everyone can enjoy the Christmas season.

"We ask for the cooperation and understanding of all residents to allow this work to proceed without further disruption. Let's work together to ensure a safe and joyful festive period for all."

In September, neighbouring Aberdeenshire Council suspended the removal of flags from lampposts after workers faced threats and intimidation.

The spread in Scotland came after similar scenes in England, where union and St George's flags were hung on lampposts and painted on traffic islands.