GTAV Hawick reference could "destroy" town's reputation, says councillor

A councillor for Hawick has said the inclusion of its name into Grand Theft Auto V could "destroy" the reputation of the Scottish Borders town.

Speaking to the BBC, councillor David Paterson said he was "disgusted" that the town's name was used for what has been described as a "druggie hipster" district in Grand Theft Auto V, which is made by Edinburgh developer Rockstar North.

"I am absolutely disgusted--there is a lot of history and a lot of good things happening in [Hawick]," he said.

"We have got a lot of good things planned for this coming year," he added, saying that the inclusion into GTAV "is going to destroy the good reputation of the town."

"Why did they pick on Hawick?" he asked. "It is a lovely town."

The councillor said he knew that millions of people would purchase the game and that "they might perceive Hawick in a bad light, and Hawick is a lovely place--a lot of people are very, very proud of Hawick."

John Lamont, the Member of the Scottish Parliament for the area, has now invited Rockstar North producers to visit Hawick.

"I, like many other Hawick residents, was shocked to hear that the name of the town had been used in Grand Theft Auto V," said Lamont.

"Not only is it a game which includes violence, sex, and drugs, but the game's producers themselves describe the area of Hawick in the game as having a 'drug addict hipster vibe.'"

"While some may take the view that any publicity is good publicity, I am sure that many local residents will see this as an insensitive move from Rockstar North."

"The game undoubtedly portrays Hawick in a bad light and is likely to sell tens of millions of copies over the next year."

"They clearly do not know Hawick well, and that is why I have invited them to meet with me at my office on the town's High Street," added Lamont.

"Hawick is one of the most beautiful towns in Scotland, and I am sure that by showing them the town and telling them of its proud history they will realise the mistake they have made."