A chip shop in Scotland has been asked to remove a banner hailing it as the home of the deep-fried Mars bar.
The Carron Fish Bar in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, advertises itself as the "birthplace of the world famous deep-fried Mars bar" with a large sign on the side of the shop.
Owners say it attracts thousands of tourists from around the world to try it every year but the local council wants the banner to come down as part of a plan to "improve the look" of Stonehaven.
The deep-fried Mars bar has become synonymous with the negative stereotype of the unhealthy Scottish diet and is often mockingly referred to as one of the country's other national dishes, after haggis.
In 2012, Mars wrote to the owners of the chip shop seeking a disclaimer to distance itself from the recipe which it said it was "against its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles".
The Carron owner Lorraine Watson said she was happy to put a disclaimer on the main menu but she is refusing to remove the banner.
"Thousands and thousands of tourists come from all over the world to purchase the deep-fried Mars bar from the birthplace," Mrs Watson told BBC Scotland.
"They stand outside under the banner with their Mars bar, smiling from ear to ear, then go home and let all their friends and family see it.
"We have no idea why the council would want this banner taken down, bearing in mind it takes thousands of visitors to the town."
Aberdeenshire Council said it did not want to stop the owners promoting their business and that the council is "happy to have discussions" regarding the banner.
Share
