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'Racist golly' costumes worn in town parade
A police investigation is launched after complaints about costumes worn during the Wick Gala, in Caithness, Scotland
Police want to identify three youngsters who "blacked up" as gollys for a town's summer parade
Police Scotland has confirmed it is carrying out an investigation after complaints over the Wick Gala, in Caithness, Scotland.
Donna Plowman, who chairs the Wick Gala Committee, said: "Police approached us on Monday as they were making inquiries into certain participants after receiving concerns about people dressing up as Golliwogs and the Jackson Five.
"On the night in question, none of the organisers saw these participants as we were busy elsewhere running the float parade.
"We will have to discuss what has happened as a committee to see how we can go forward from this."
A picture shows three youngsters two boys and one girl all with black curly wigs, and black faces with white around their eyes. Theyre all wearing distinctive red, blue, white and black costumes.
The police probe centres on participants who were dressed up as Gollys and the Jackson Five during the traditional parade of decorated floats and foot collectors through the centre of the town on Saturday.
Officers contacted the local newspaper, the Caithness Courier, which was unable to help them identify the youngsters.
Pictures of the Gollys have been posted on Facebook and Twitter as well as Caithness.org.
The term in the UK is seen as a racial slur and there have been incidents across the country where people have been charged for using the name or portraying the character.
Wick Gala Committee has also been contacted by police as part of their probe.
She added: "Wick Gala is a charity fundraising event and if we start dictating to people what they can and can't go out as it could lead to the end of the gala completely.
"This will be a matter which will be discussed, where we might have to look at setting out guidelines."
Participants register to take part in the parade on the Friday night where they also pick up collection tins. However committee members are not told in advance what participants plan to dress up as.
"If we said to people they can't go out as famous characters such as the Jackson Five, it will be difficult to know where you stop dictating," she said.
"If we start dictating what people can come and dress as, it could make things even worse.
"I don't know if it will get to the point if people would have to produce a picture of what they are coming as before they take part.
She added: "How we would be able to tell people what they can and can't go as? I am not sure how it would work.
"All we want is for people to have a good night and raise money for the community."
Police Scotland confirmed it is carrying out an investigation but would not comment further.