Relay out of order? That is the angry accusation levelled against the local Yes Scotland camp that they attempted to ‘politicise’ the recent Queen’s Commonwealth relay in Largs.

‘Yes’ supporters were pictured putting up their banner next to the Boys Brigade band in Gallowgate Square while awaiting for the baton to come through the town, sparking criticism from bystanders, and batonbearer Jim Lamont himself.

Mr Lamont, who is 1st Largs Boys Brigade Captain, and North Ayrshire Citizen of the year, said: “I had a brilliant time carrying the baton - the atmosphere was electric, thanks to everyone for their support but what a pity about the people with the yes banner who tried to hijack what was a very happy day for everyone - and not a time for political campaigning.

“I was told by our Parents and Friends Association, who do fundraising for us, that a yes banner had been put up behind the Boys Brigade band. There was seemingly a lot of folk commenting on it.” Mr Lamont who won the Provost’s Citizen of the Year honour along with wife Bridie at the annual North Ayrshire Council awards added: “According to the committee, a policeman asked them to take it down, and they said no, and then another policeman said: ‘I am not asking you to take it down, I am telling you to take it down’.

Bystander James Galbraith agreed and said: “I am writing to express my dismay at the Yes North Ayrshire staff and supporters who deemed it appropriate to attempt to hijack the celebration of unity that is The Queen’s Baton Relay.

“To hear one of their members suggest positioning their banner directly behind the Boys Brigade Band, who were there to support Jim Lamont, so they would receive more publicity, frankly, disgusted me. This was not a day for politics. This was a day of celebration for the baton bearers, their families, and surely for the whole community of Largs.“ However, Steve Graham, the SNP Convenor for Cunninghame North, who runs the Yes Scotland shop in Largs as lead volunteer, has said that the situation has been blown out of proportion.

He said: “We were just there adding some colour and supporting the baton as well. We were just standing in front of our shop, on the street, for the baton coming past. The bit about us standing next to the BB was certainly not intentional - it was because the baton was coming past our shop, and we were wanting to show our support.

“The marshal approached us and said that he wanted us to take the banner down. Some of our members asked what harm were we doing, but after we were told to take it down, that was it.” Fairlie Community Councillor Graham stated: “It was my decision to put the banner there, and when we were told not to, we just took it down. If it caused any offence, then I apologise, but it was a proud occasion, and I was across the road trying to get a photo with the shop in the background.

“The marshal had a policeman beside him - I had been speaking to the police earlier that morning and sharing a laugh with them - they weren’t bothered. It was only when the marshal came over and said to take it down as it is politicising, and that is what we did.” The YesScotland shop in Gallowgate Square opened earlier this year, and has hosted a number of events and guest speakers, and also sells a range of merchandise including Magnus the Viking mugs with the Yes Scotland banner.