Fife Council Orders Removal of Controversial Witch Mural in Pittenweem

A giant mural by renowned street artist Rogue One in Pittenweem, Fife, will be removed after Fife Council's north east planning committee rejected a retrospective planning application.

The mural, which depicts a witch with a hooked nose and warts along the Mid Shore harbour, was painted on the side of the Larachmhor Tavern last Halloween without planning permission.

The painting covered the gable end wall of a 19th Century Category C listed building and sat within the Pittenweem conservation area, amongst a row of B and C listed properties.

Planning officers cited the mural as "inaccurate and gaudy" and not fitting with the area's historically accurate and neutral color palette.

The application of paint to unpainted historic walls could also cause "considerable damage in the long term by preventing the evaporation of moisture from the underlying fabric," according to Historic Environment Scotland.

The witch mural was also criticized by councillors for perpetuating historically inaccurate false narratives and being "not suitable for the location." Artist Bobby McNamara, who painted the mural under the name Rogue One, said he enjoyed the project because it was so different from his normal projects.

He added that some locals had criticized the mural as "mean and ugly" and preferred not to expose their village's witch history so much.

The mural will be subject to enforcement powers to ensure its removal.