Ashers Bakery's facemask shortbread designs triggers online debate

Ashers Bakery new biscuits of people wearing face masks has caused an online debate among customers whether the designs are appropriate.

The Scottish-based company unveiled their latest creation of shortbreads named The Law Abiding Scots to highlight the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on 13th July.

The biscuits are currently on sale in Ashers Bakery, Scotmid and Spar stores across Scotland at £1.29 RSP, with the company noting: “Selling hundreds of these wee characters. Getting great people back to work in the real world.”

Comments on the Facebook page rapidly built up from customers expressing their thoughts on the biscuits, causing very divided opinions.

One user felt that the designs were “embarrassing and patronising” while another felt it was “Promoting the removal of people’s human rights” and a “seriously bad business move”.

However, the reception to the design was mostly positive, with many praising the shortbreads as “brilliant” and “portraying a time in our lives”.

Speaking about the online response, co-managing director Ali Fisher said: “We had not expected the debate that it opened on our Facebook after launching the new product.”

“We certainly do not want to offend anyone who is anti-wearing a facemask - they have every right to their opinion on the matter, as do people who are pro-wearing facemasks. We just ask that people are kind and respectful to each other.”

Ashers Bakery has 12 shops across the Highlands and Morayshire that have been gradually reopening following the lockdown.