A VIRAL video showing stunt cycling sensation Danny MacAskill dressed as Jimmy Savile has been taken offline after a stream of sick comments by internet trolls.
The six-minute long comedy clip shows MacAskill dressed in a shiny blue tracksuit, white wig and chomping an enormous cigar, while her performs amazing stunts in the Highlands.
Featuring an interview with the real Savile, the film was made to promote tourism in Lochaber, which became the alleged serial sex offender’s adopted home.
The movie was removed from YouTube last night by marketing company Outdoor Capital of the UK (OCUK), as allegations against the scandal-hit TV presenter continue to mount.
In the past week it had become a target for abuse on YouTube, with users submitting derisory comments, one even making a sick reference to missing Welsh schoolgirl April Jones.
Project manager of OCUK Frazer Coupland said he had been made aware of the comments and yesterday instructed the video be removed.
The removal of the tourism video is one of many moves taken to sever links between scandal-hit Sir Jimmy Savile and his adopted home of Lochaber
Sir Jimmy was honorary chieftain of the Lochaber Highland Games for more than 30 years.
The title was etched into his gravestone. However, his family took the decision to remove the gravestone on Tuesday night “out of respect to public opinion.”
Lochaber Highland Games secretary Allan Lindsay said: “We’re not intending to do anything about our association with him.”
Savile owned a cottage in Glencoe, which trustees of his charitable foundation had hoped to convert into a retreat for the disabled. They said last week the allegations left their plans in limbo.
Staff at the Ben Nevis Hotel removed a sign from the door of a luxury room named the Jimmy Savile Suite’ – because it was the room of choice for the DJ when he visited Lochaber.
A spokeswoman for owners Shearings Hotels said: “I think the removal speaks for itself so we won’t be making any comment.”
