He pointed out that corporate adoption made the symbol feel commercialized rather than organic.
"All the corporate hotels in Glasgow would all have stencils of traffic cones on the wall," Heather said.
According to the historian, this widespread marketing signaled the end of the subculture's genuine appeal.
"Once that happens, I think the thing is flat dead," Heather said.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that recent football celebrations have revitalized the tradition among fans.
"I've fallen right back in love with it as a folk image," Heather said.
He anticipated that the enthusiasm would persist through upcoming international sports fixtures.
"It's the signature of the Tartan Army. It's World Cup fever and I think that will die down," Heather said.
He expressed a desire to see the prank travel to major rivals in future matches.
"But I would love to go and cone London next time we play at Wembley," Heather said.
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The phenomenon has officially extended to the northernmost parts of Scotland, with Shetland Webcams capturing a traffic cone placed on a lamppost at the Market Cross in Lerwick, alongside another sighting on a bus shelter in Scalloway.
