For over 40 years, the Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow has been adorned with a traffic cone, a tradition reportedly sparked by students during the 1980s. Despite past opposition from local authorities, the practice has become a beloved symbol of the city, even garnering praise from Banksy. This habit has now expanded, with the Tartan Army bringing the trend to Boston during their recent travels, where it was warmly received.
Back in Scotland, the trend has moved beyond Glasgow. Statues of figures like David Hume and Adam Smith in Edinburgh have been fitted with cones, a development that has received mixed reactions. While some residents find the act disrespectful to historical monuments, the practice has popped up in other locations, including Dumfries and Inverness.
The imagery has also become a commercial success, with themed merchandise sold at local venues and even featured in promotional material for the Commonwealth Games. While some critics argue that corporate adoption has diluted the original rebellious spirit of the act, others view the Tartan Army’s involvement as a revival of the tradition as a genuine folk symbol.
