Trustee David Johnstone had the bright idea of putting out a press release about this mishap, and this resulted in the story being printed in the East Lothian Courier. The story was then picked up and carried again by the Edinburgh Evening News.
The press coverage brought a number of offers of help, including one from Dunbar based firm Ubas Access Equipment International Ltd. Director Bob Downie visited the site, with a view to using rope equipment to scale the 30 metre flagpole. But fortunately he and his colleagues were able to free the pole from the concrete plinth into which it is bolted, and lower it safely and ascertain the damage. A new gold finial and ropes were ordered, courtesy of Ubas, and by the end of February the Saltire was proudly flying once again at the birthplace.
The Trust is indebted to Bob Downie and Ubas for coming to the rescue so promptly and generously.