The disrespect turns my stomach.

[flyrod6057]

I can't say I'm impressed. If the artwork was on a freeway underpass in San Diego or LA, that's one thing. On a Scottish castle? No thanks.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I also highly doubt that the exterior covering on the castle is the original, especially given how often modern stucco has to be patched or redone, so the "damage" is hardly irreversible.

The exterior covering of the stone is called "harling", and takes its name from the fact that it is "hurled" against the raw stone to make it stick (sort of like pebble dashing is dashed against the side of a building to make it stick). It is similar to stucco, and the colour depends largely on the colour of your local sand. It was also not unknown for the harl to be dyed, or painted over. Not all "castles" in Scotland were white when they were built.

As any castle owner can tell you, harling is an on-going process and at least part of the building will require repair or total re-harling ever few years, a not inexpensive operation. Twenty or thirty years ago grants were regularly handed out to re-harl houses like Kelburn (or tiny Terpersie). In recent years these grants have become as rare as rocking horse poop (along with all other grants for "stately homes") although the statutory requirements for the owners of these buildings to maintain the property remain in effect.

The difficulty faced by the building owner is that the regulations are often quite daft. For example, exterior window sills have to be made of cut stone; the use of reconstituted stone is prohibited, even though there is no visual or structural difference between the two. There is however a considerable cost differential, which often time impedes the restoration (or even repair) of a listed building.

I note in re-reading the article that Glasgow sought permission for the murals while waiting to re-harl the tower, a process that would take about three years-- not the harling, but rather three years to obtain permission to harl.

Perhaps the Right Noble Lord is making a statement....

[Redhawk]

Too busy for me... But each there own.

[OC Richard]

A matter of taste...hum...looks like something out of Disneyland.

Actually Disneyland has nothing like that- no building covered with grafitti.

One side of the Shooting Gallery in Frontierland has a mural on it, that's about it.

Anyhow about the art, I like it. And it looks interesting on the building. But I think that art would look far more appropriate on a modern building in an urban setting.

About homeowners' "rights", these vary. I used to live in Palm Springs, and there the City Council had complete power over the appearance of all buildings including private homes. Someone from the City Council would show up at your doorstep and tell you that you had to paint your house a certain colour and you had to plant certain sorts of plants in your yard, and where to plant them.

[Geoff Withnell]

...When two national flags are displayed simultaneously they are either flown with the host nation's on the higher flagpole or if both flagpoles are at the same height the flag of the nation whose territory it is, is displayed on the left as it is seen by onlookers.

It is amazing to me how many people proud of their ethnic heritage make this mistake.

Actually, according to United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 — The Flag

"When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace."

This is a very common mistake. The host countries flag is NOT displayed higher than other national flags. It is flown on the flag's right, or sometimes, at the center front, but not higher.

[Peter Crowe]

Actually, according to United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 — The Flag

"When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace."

This is a very common mistake. The host countries flag is NOT displayed higher than other national flags. It is flown on the flag's right, or sometimes, at the center front, but not higher.

You are of course correct, I was confusing the regulation about state flags vis a vis the US flag.

Notwithstanding that you do often (especially in the US) see folk fly the US Flag over the flags of their nation of origin, especially Irish and Italian tricolours. They think they are doing it right because within the States the Stars and Stripes always take precedence. In Scotland it is very unusual for private citizens to display a flag from their home. Castles (even privately owned ones) are an exception alongside public buildings (and most of them like Town/City Halls only do so on special designated flag days).

[artificer]

I personally prefer the rather drab non-graffiti-covered look.

That said, it's his castle. If he got the original permissions needed, he can do as he likes.

ith:

[Andy Proffitt]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/203/5...760a1fa648.jpg
What's next?

This is a historical place. It should not be defaced. If they want to tag a massive building that has no history then it's no issue. But this is wrong.

The difference is the castle is private property and the Washington Monument is a Public Monument/Public property. See also the End of Nose Doctrine.
And as OC Richard noted, nothing this tacky would wind up in Disneyland.

[Cowher]

These reactions are interesting!

We talk about tartan, kilts (modern verses traditional) and what that means. We speak of rolled up sleeves, button down collars, a coat of arms and white hose.
Flame wars erupt. People get angry. Line are drawn and it gets rough.

People are very protective of Scottish highland dress. But deface a castle and we get "well it's his castle." or "I find it charming"..

I find this hilarious! I shall go back to work now for my lunch is over.

Cheers!

[kc8ufv]

You are of course correct, I was confusing the regulation about state flags vis a vis the US flag.

Notwithstanding that you do often (especially in the US) see folk fly the US Flag over the flags of their nation of origin, especially Irish and Italian tricolours. They think they are doing it right because within the States the Stars and Stripes always take precedence. In Scotland it is very unusual for private citizens to display a flag from their home. Castles (even privately owned ones) are an exception alongside public buildings (and most of them like Town/City Halls only do so on special designated flag days).

Many people here get things confused with flags. Flown correctly, I have seen as many as 3 flags on the same pole - from top to bottom - US Flag, State Flag, Local Flag or organizational flag. I have also seen official places fly flags incorrectly. When displayed in a non-moving way, visible from both sides, the field (of the US flag) is supposed to be to the North or West. When displayed in motion (or with the appearance of motion, such as painted on a vehicle, or someone's arm) it should have the field attached to the mast (or where the mast would be....). I can't begin to tell you how many places I've seen with the US flag on a person's right shoulder, with the field closer to the person's back.