He wrote: “One of your floats thought it would be ‘funny’ to do a cover of the theme tune from Jim with Fix it, and thought this would be seen as humour? Am sorry, in light of the events surrounding that programme and the revelations since it I feel that was a step way over the line.
“What I hoped would be a pleasant night and a good memory has now been tainted. I can see a lot of work went into the parade but fear that will be the outstanding memory for all who had the misfortune to witness it.
“Humour is funny. That was just out of order.”
But festival bosses claimed they had never censored anyone from entering the parade and it was up to individuals “own conscience” when entering the parade.
Maria Joaquin also posted on the site: “It is staggering truly beyond belief that *anyone* could be so thoughtless, stupid, ignorant, insensitive to do such a thing.
“And contrary to the statement of the Lauder Common Riding Committee it is not in any sense an issue of ‘censorship’ – to use that as a defence for the committee’s total abrogation of responsibility is simply nauseating.”
Some of the comments on the Lauder Common Riding Committee’s social networking page have since been removed.
Christine Grahame MSP whose constituency includes the area, said she thought the float was in “poor taste” and was a “serious misjudgement.”
The parade took place as part of the Lauder Common Riding programme in the Scottish borders, held to celebrate the Royal Burgh’s history.
In response to the comments on the Facebook page, organisers said: “Lauder Common Riding Committee is responsible for running one of the oldest and largest equestrian events in Europe.
“Our main aim is to ensure this event is run safely and for the enjoyment of spectators and the many hundreds who take part in all our events. This we have done very successfully both this year and in the past.
“Our fancy dress parade is only one element of our week and is a long-standing tradition. We have never censored anyone who has entered the event. It is up to the individuals who enter and their conscience to decide how they wish to express themselves and approach the event.
“People spectate and take part of their own free will. This year we did not receive any complaints about any of the entrants.
“We are obviously dismayed and understand that people are upset by the coverage one of the entries has received; however, we would reiterate that the committee does not condone or condemn the individual’s right to enter the parade in their own way.”
The BBC recently set aside £19.1 million for compensation claims, which are likely to include victims who were abused by Savile. Many of his 214 known offences took place on BBC sites.
A Scotland Yard and NSPCC report published last year found Savile spent “every waking minute” thinking about abusing children and used his celebrity status to win their trust.
Families to boycott festival after Jimmy Savile float won prize
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