Scots sign stirs up 'auld' claims

The sign is located one mile north of Southwaite

A "Welcome to Scotland" sign has been erected outside an English city as part of an outdoor art festival in Cumbria.

Motorists on the M6 can view the sign as they approach the border city of Carlisle, which was once part of Scotland.

The Carlisle Artists' Hub has created the sign to stir up a "fun debate" about the area's true loyalties.

Members of the group are taking part in the Fred festival, being staged across the county until 12 October.

Artist Jenny Brookes said: "It has always been a disputed area and we thought it was time to reignite the debate about whether Carlisle should be part of Scotland.

Carlisle tartan

"I have been warned by several people that we might get lynched, but I'm hoping that is an exaggeration.

"It is really fun to open up this debate and give people the chance to think about this issue."

The sign is to be located in a farmer's field close to the motorway, one mile north of Southwaite.

The group has also designed a Carlisle tartan, to be shown in local shop fronts, and some tartan bags.