An English bonfire society has said it did not mean to cause any offence to Scots by mocking First Minister Alex Salmond and the Loch Ness Monster.
A spokesman for Waterloo Bonfire Society said the move was meant to “portray familiar stories and characters in a light hearted way”.
He added that there was “no malicious intent or political motivation” involved and stressed that the so-called tableaux – living picture – was not burned and instead incorporated into a firework display.
The group spoke out after police said they were investigating a complaint about two models of Alex Salmond which were incorporated into a Guy Fawkes event in Lewes, Sussex last night.
The effigies of the Aberdeenshire East MSP were withdrawn from the celebrations at the last minute after a storm of protest on social media.
Waterloo Bonfire Society’s model featured Mr Salmond wearing a “Yes” badge, a sign saying “45%” and the Loch Ness monster looking over his shoulder.
The second effigy depicted him bare chested and wearing a kilt.
A spokesman for Waterloo Bonfire Society said: “As a Lewes Bonfire Society we have a tradition of creating satirical tableaux in caricature based on topical local, national and international events.
“It is a tradition which has endured for many years and is intended to portray familiar stories and characters in a light hearted way.
“Clearly the Scottish referendum has been a big story in the news recently and Alex Salmond is high a profile figure.
“We are a traditional Sussex family bonfire society and have no political affiliations.
“We can assure that we have no wish or intention to offend and have never found ourselves in a position where we have done so in the past.
“To clarify we do not burn tableaux, they are incorporated into our firework display.
“In the light of the responses received to our tableau idea this year we have made the decision to withdraw it from our celebrations.”
The spokesman later said the police were invited to inspect the tableau and are “satisfied” that it was not burned.
Mr Salmond, who will stand down as first minister and SNP leader next week, claimed it was clear some people see him “as a big a threat to the Westminster establishment as Guy Fawkes”.
He said he was more worried about the fate of Nessie.
Newtonmore-based mountaineer Cameron McNeish said he found the stunt “grossly offensive” and Aberdeen SNP councillor Graham Dickson said it was “very insulting to the people of Scotland”.
East Sussex County Council, which posted a photograph of the Waterloo Bonfire Society online and was bombarded with complaints, stressed that the effigy had “no connection” to the authority whatsoever.
A Sussex Police statement said: “We are aware of the portrayal of Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond as an effigy at the 2014 Lewes Bonfire event and acknowledge that concerns have been raised.
“Whilst we accept there is a long tradition of creating effigies of high-profile individuals in politics, sport, the media, etc, a complaint has nevertheless been received and will be investigated.”