A SCOTS council has defended a decision to feature a nuclear submarine on the front cover of a brochure for newcomers to Argyll and Bute - saying it was aimed at service staff.
SNP deputy leader Angus Robertson was among those who expressed concern at the Argyll and Bute promotion saying it was the launch of "one of the worst advertising campaigns ever."
A picture of the launch promoted online featured the Scottish Secretary David Mundell and Argyll and Bute Council leader Dick Walsh with a brochure headlined "Welcome to Argyll and Bute" and a picture of a nuclear submarine.
Behind them is a banner stating: "Argyll and Bute. A great place to live, invest and visit."
But Argyll and Bute Council defended the brochure, saying it was not meant to be a general guide but was produced for people serving in the Royal Navy.
The picture ended up being taking off all the council's social media feeds on Tuesday.
A council spokesman said: "The photograph was removed because of the confusion it was causing."
SNP South Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine was among the throng that criticised the presentation on Facebook saying: "One for the couldn'ae make it up file....Mundell and the leader of Argyll and Bute council promoting weapons of mass destruction as a tourist attraction."
Others was so bewildered by the portrayal of the area, they thought that circulating pictures were photoshopped.
But the council says the brochure was produced in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence to "provide information on the area and the various organisations and services available to support the Armed Forces community and their families" as the government announced the growth of HM Naval Base Clyde.
A council spokesman said: "We are keen to welcome the Royal Navy personnel and their families who will be coming to Argyll and Bute over the next few years, and to ensure that there are benefits for both our local residents and our new families.
"A photograph originally posted on social media yesterday featured a brochure - this brochure was produced specifically for people serving in the Royal Navy, not as a general guide to the area.
"This is all about delivering opportunities for local people and Navy families to build happy, prosperous lives together."
The Ministry of Defence is investing in developing the base as the Royal Navy submarine centre of specialisation, which will see all UK attack submarines based in Argyll and Bute by 2020 and the eventual arrival of the Dreadnought class of ballistic submarines.
Through its redevelopment HMNB Clyde will grow its staff numbers from 6,800 to an eventual population of 8,200.
A media event in which the guide was unveiled, gave Mr Mundell the opportunity to announce that the billion-pound development of HM Naval Base Clyde will be a catalyst for growth and regeneration in the wider community.
But it was the brochure that cause the biggest stir.
Brendan O'Hara, the SNP Argyll and Bute MP said: "The most beautiful part of one of the most beautiful countries in the world... and they use a nuclear sub to promote it. Quite astonishing!!"
Even Michael Stewart, the footballer-turned-TV pundit waded in saying: "Seriously, Argyll and Bute is one of the most beautiful parts of the country and these clowns are trying to promote it with a nuclear submarine."
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