Outrage as breasts put on Robert Burns statue HERITAGE groups and cancer charities have criticised Scottish Government campaigners for placing a set of breasts on a Robert Burns monument in aid of breast cancer awareness. Placards put up as part of Scottish Government breast cancer awareness campaign Burns groups say stunt was a step "too far" Organisers hoped placards would draw attention to cause Placards depicting the symptoms of breast cancer were placed on the iconic Burns statue in Kilmarnock as part of the high-profile Detect Cancer Early campaign. The initiative, organised by the Scottish Government and East Ayrshire Council, was branded offensive and a "gimmick too far" by campaign groups. The placards, which were put up on Thursday last week, were removed on the same day. The controversial images are the same as those used in a high-profile TV campaign featuring actress and comedian Elaine C Smith, whose mother died from breast cancer. Murdo Morrison, of the Robert Burns World Federation, said: "Whilst the Robert Burns World Federation is totally supportive of all campaigns that draw attention to worthy causes, we consider that this particular attachment to a statue of Robert Burns is offensive to many. This is a gimmick too far and placing placards on a statue of a revered person is approaching an action of desecration. It is counter-productive for any campaigners to act in this irresponsible way and any minor gain from this action will have an opposite effect from the people of Ayrshire and beyond. Ruby Taylor, of Cancer Research UK's Ayr, Prestwick and Troon branch, said the stunt was in "bad taste." NHS Ayrshire and Arran has the highest rate of breast cancer of a mainland health board at 107 per 100,000 population in 2010. Campaign organisers insist the images were only intended to be on the statue for a few hours, during which photographers were invited to take pictures of it. The placards were then removed. Awareness Councillor Kathy Morrice, East Ayrshire Council spokesperson for Improving Community Health and Wellbeing, is currently suffering from breast and bone cancer herself and defended the campaign. She said: "We're delighted that this important, high-profile health campaign came to East Ayrshire. We hoped that positioning real-life pictures of breasts and exhibiting the symptoms of cancer on this iconic landmark in Kilmarnock would stop local people in their tracks and spark conversation on the importance of being breast aware. Early detection is vital to improving cancer survival rates, so we need to get people talking about the topic and educate them that lumps are not the only sign of breast cancer. In April, I went to my doctor with concerns and within weeks I was diagnosed with breast and bone cancer. My treatment has been hard and is still ongoing, but the prognosis is good. I would urge anyone who is worried to go to their GP as soon as possible.