The travel company behind the idea has narrowed its “Next Big Thing” competition down to four, and Glen Innes is on that short-list.

If it wins, the kilt will be built. What’s under it remains undecided.

A point picked up by Mr Marshall. He said: “I’m right behind the Glen vote – and I’m even more interested in seeing just what we could see what might be under that kilt if Glen Innes wins the grand prize.

“It’s a quirky idea and a great one to support, so I hope all northerners will cast a vote to see Glen get the chance to really dress up the town with something big and bright, and funny.”

The competition for the edifice is being organised and financed by a travel company, Wotif, and you can vote for the Big Kilt on its website, www.wotif.com/nextbigthing .

The other runners are (as the publicity company describes them):

 The Big Chiko Roll in Bendigo and the Big Choccy Milk in Newcastle were ruled out.

The company promoting the competition says that its research shows that Australians do visit other similar monuments across Australia (like, for example, the Golden Guitar in Tamworth). People take selfies – and spend money.

Mr Marshall concurred: “You only have to look at the Big Golden Guitar in Tamworth to see the impact of a big thing on tourism numbers. It’s the most photographed place in Tamworth, so just imagine how a Big Kilt would go down in Glen, especially if we have some fun with what’s underneath it.”

Margot Davis, Glen Innes Severn Council’s Manager of Economic Development said: “Tourism is a big part of our economy and especially in times when agriculture is suffering, like it is for many rural towns right now.

“With the Big Kilt, we’ll have another reason for people to stop and experience what our quirky town has to offer as well as support local businesses”.

The Wotif company says: “Vote for your fave to play your part in Aussie holiday history and go in the running to win $2000 towards your next Wotif holiday  (woohoo!). The town with the most votes by 9 October 2018 wins.”