A NATIONAL reader has been left astounded by the level of Union Jackery on display at his local supermarket.

Reader Jim Finnie got in touch to tell us about a ridiculous case of blue, red and white packaging overload outside Morrisons in Perth.

Before even entering the shop, customers are faced with dozens of Union Jack-branded boxes full of plants. It might please local MSP Murdo Fraser – but it was enough for Jim to go and get his groceries elsewhere.

“I was a little upset – it’s in everyone’s face before you enter the store. I was planning on getting a few things. I did go inside to use the toilet but I didn’t spend any money,” he said.

Jim went to Aldi – known for championing Scottish products – instead.

He added: “Aldi and Lidl are transatlantic companies, not British, so I think they have more sensitivity in this area [compared to British supermarkets]. Aldi has discreet flags on certain products – they avoid Union Jacks unless they need it and usually go for Saltires.”

On Aldi receipts, items sourced from Scotland have “SCO” beside them, showing that the company supports Scottish suppliers.

While he was angry, Jim said he’s aware Union Jackery “doesn’t provoke the same reaction in everyone”.

“It is up to individual people”, he explained. “Some might like Union Jacks to be right in your face in shops and others will hate it. I contacted The National but some people might just turn on their heels and go.”

With Scotland Food and Drink research finding that 70% of Scots believe the availability of locally sourced products is important, it seems to make little economic sense to cover Scottish produce in Union Jacks.

Jim, who lives in Pitlochry but does his shopping in Perth, said he won’t be visiting a Morrisons again unless he has to.

But he did point out one downside to going to Aldi – it doesn’t stock The National.

Jim added: “I should have checked if they had a National – shops are making a statement when they stock it.”