Hat's not on, says lord provost

Former provost Pat Lally beside the statue

A traffic cone which has become part of Glasgow's folklore has been returned to its resting place - after being removed to allow promotional pictures of the city to be taken.

The cone, which has sat on the head of the statue of the Duke of Wellington for 10 years, was taken down for shots to promote the seeglasgow.com website.

Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley Tourist board said the comical headgear would ruin the photographs.

But locals say the cone demonstrates Glaswegians' sense of humour and is as much part of the city as any of the famous buildings or statues.

It has now been restored to its original resting place, on the duke's head.

Even the best of jokes wears a bit thin after up to 10 years

Former provost Pat Lally

Lord provost Alex Mosson said: "The statue of Wellington has become famous for the cone on its head.

"The image typifies the unique mixture of culture and humour Glasgow has to offer.

"After all, the humour of the Glasgow people is the city's greatest selling point."

But his predecessor, Pat Lally, disagreed.

He said: "I think Glaswegians are sick of the site of cones.

World focus

"We all like a joke. There's nothing a Glaswegian likes better than a good laugh.

"But even the best of jokes wears a bit thin after up to 10 years.

"It seems to me that, it may do something for the manufacturer of cones, but I'm not sure that it does a lot for the people of Glasgow."

The www.seeglasgow.com site has been created to provide information on Scotland's largest city to tourists from across the world.

It contains details from the tourist board's 700-plus members on accommodation, restaurants, shopping and visitor attractions, along with information on public transport and events.

Potential visitors can access the site in eight different languages, including Gaelic.