The Jimmy Savile float fall-out at Lauder has continued this week with an apology and a police investigation after the incident which made headlines across the world.
The group of men from the Twenty10 Club, who dressed as the paedophile TV presenter and a bunch of schoolgirls in Lauder Common Riding’s fancy dress contest, issued a statement on Saturday apologising for their actions.
It read: “We made a serious error of judgement in our choice of subject for our float at this year’s event.
“It was never our intention to cause offence to anyone. For the upset we have caused or may cause, we unreservedly apologise.”
Meanwhile, police continue to investigate an incident last week which saw dog dirt left outside the front door of a Lauder Common Riding committee member.
A Scottish Borders Council spokesman said it had received a small number of complaints about the float – which finished third in the vehicle section – but added it has no dealings with the parade. “SBC would never condone any behaviour which could be deemed inappropriate and we take the issue of child protection very seriously.”
Christine Grahame, Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSP, added: “I wouldn’t want to censor anyone, but I think this has been a serious misjudgement.”
Letters: pages 26 and 27