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T-shirt joke wears thin with Games organisers

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Published Date: 12 October 2008
THEY are renowned for bringing style and wit to Scottish clothing and number some of the world's biggest stars among their customers.
Brothers Craig and Brian Halley have made Slanj, which has shops in Glasgow and Edinburgh, into one of the country's most talked-about designer outlets for their contemporary kilts and humorous T-shirts.

But their interpretation of one of the bigg
est events in Scottish history – the 2014 Commonwealth Games – has not gone down well with the organisers.

The company set up to run the Glasgow Games are now threatening Slanj with legal action unless they withdraw a range of T-shirts that depict characters taking part in "traditional" Glaswegian sporting pursuits.

Four white boxes over the words "Glasgow 2014, Commonwealth Games", contain figures playing pool and darts, watching TV and sinking a pint of beer.

Slanj owner Brian Halley said: "We specialise in quirky T-shirts and this is just meant as a joke, our take on the real games that real Glaswegians indulge in. It was an attempt to join in the fun surrounding Glasgow getting the Games."

But a spokesman for Glasgow City Council, which is part of the partnership company running the event, said the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014 logo had been registered in the UK as a trademark, a design and a wordmark to prevent unauthorised material being sold.

"It therefore has legal protection in all these categories," he said.

"In the instance of Slanj, if they are selling 2014 Games branded materials, then this will be followed up through the 2014 legal team.

"The organising company would not be against a little bit of humour or harmless fun, but use of the brand means that it could not ignore this application. We would ask Slanj to remove the items from sale."

Halley said he was "sorry" if the T-shirts, which cost £20, had caused offence. After the current batch had been sold, the design would be changed.

Slanj was established in 1996.

Among its customers are Irvine Welsh, Sir Sean Connery, Ewan McGregor and Jonathan Ross.



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1

Mercutio,

FALKIRK 12/10/2008 04:24:18
"Among its customers are Irvine Welsh, Sir Sean Connery, Ewan McGregor and Jonathan Ross." So that's alright then?

2

donald,

glasgow 12/10/2008 05:24:24
So what?

Want to buy a "Scots Not Brits" t-shurt?
£5 including P&P
3

drunken proffet,

Tassy 12/10/2008 05:53:19
They should organise alternative games. Size challenged person throwing. Ladies mud wrestling, or even boat races down Sauchiehall Street. (ref Alice Springs). Competitors allowed to improve their chances by smoking ciggies or quafying large quantities of alcohol.
4

LAM,

Edinburgh 12/10/2008 08:35:20
Although meant as a joke it might bother some people as there just might an eliment of truth in the depictions. Heck it could have shown a mugging,drug use,knives... they might actually have had something to really complain about then. But actually there are far more offensive t shirts out there every day and not much said..
5

eric,

lothian 12/10/2008 09:22:29
scotland full stop.
6

Guga II,

Rockall 12/10/2008 10:10:49
It sounds as if Glasgow City Council are badly in need of a humour transplant.
7

David55,

London 12/10/2008 12:54:11
Jesus! Sack the organisers.
8

Deeside,

Glasgow 12/10/2008 13:33:24
Typical of the corrupt Glasgow City Council -they will do anything to ensure that no one gets in their way of lining their own pockets - Purcell and Co the organisation should be called...

They are greedy, corrupt and are being allowed to turn Glasgow into Purcellville all in the name of the Commonwealth Games......

Just to remind you: Eleven Labour Councillors under investigation for a dodgy land deal in relation to Paddy's Market - including the leader himself; sudden increase in strange and unexplained arson attacks on derelict buildings that which just happen to be in the way of the Council's regeneration plans for 2014; ....

Oh, and the introduction of compulsary purchase orders on ANY property in Glasgow if it gets in the way of the Commonwealth Games!

And now, some t-shirts?? MEGLAMANIA has set in big time!!

9

ReadingPublic-2,

Northern Wisconsin 12/10/2008 16:43:46
Censorship!!
10

Douglas,

Bathgate 12/10/2008 17:37:37
"Among its customers are Irvine Welsh, Sir Sean Connery, Ewan McGregor and Jonathan Ross."

But crucially, no Ian Rankin.

 

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