Scottish football fans have ignited a nationwide traffic cone prank on historic monuments following the Tartan Army's World Cup takeover in Boston, sparking strong opposition from conservationists and local officials over public safety and potential structural damage.
The trend stems from a decades-old Glasgow tradition where late-night revellers repeatedly placed cones atop the Duke of Wellington monument on Queen Street.
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The practice spread globally during recent sporting events and has now triggered a surge of similar incidents on landmarks throughout Edinburgh, Dumfries, Inverness, and Lerwick.
In Edinburgh, contractors recently removed a cone from the Duke of Wellington monument on Waterloo Place, while social media footage showed individuals climbing the David Livingstone statue.
Local leaders expressed concern that the trend devalues the cultural significance of the capital's heritage sites.
"I think I would much rather it stayed the other side of the M8," said Jo Mowatt, Edinburgh city centre councillor.
The local representative further criticized the visual impact of the stunts on historical figures.
"I wouldn't tell Glasgow what they should and shouldn't do, that's up to them, but in the middle of where it's happening, in Edinburgh, it's just totally inappropriate," Mowatt said.
Community groups warned that these pranks create significant financial and physical risks for the city.
"We love a bit of fun, and we want Edinburgh to be a vibrant, enjoyable place to live.
But there’s a real difference between harmless pranks and putting our city’s treasured landmarks at risk," said Shaun Hodge, New Town and Broughton community councillor.
