Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Commemoration Slab Removed from Alloa Pathway

A commemorative stone slab for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in Alloa was removed following council approval. Plans are underway to replace it with a tribute to late politician Sir George Reid.

Removal of Commemoration Slab in Alloa

A stone slab commemorating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's visit to Alloa has been removed just one week after Clackmannanshire councillors approved its removal. The paving stone was originally installed to mark the former Duke of York's opening of Parliament Way in November 2002.

Following the council's decision last Thursday, the slab has either been replaced or turned over as plans advance to install a fitting tribute to the late Alloa politician Sir George Reid along the same pathway.

Clare Buchanan Side‑by‑side comparison of the stone walkway on Parliament Way, showing worn paving slabs with pale patch on the left and the path on the right featuring an engraved slab reading Parliament Walk opened by HRH The Duke of York CVO ADC 29th November 2002 — The pathway is near the council's Kilncraigs headquarters leading to Alloa Tower

Context and Council Decision

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office, charges he denies. This development influenced the council's decision to reconsider the commemorative slab.

Council leader Ellen Forson initiated the motion to remove the paving stone after receiving contact from several constituents. At the time, she expressed that it was

"appropriate"

to remove the existing reference to the former Duke of York.

During last week's council meeting, Forson suggested that turning over the stone

"could be a short -term solution"

for the pathway, which runs alongside the council's Kilncraigs headquarters leading to Alloa Tower.

Future Tribute to Sir George Reid

Councillors unanimously supported a proposal to replace the slab with a memorial stone honoring Sir George Reid, the former presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament, who passed away in August of the previous year.

A design and wording for Sir George Reid's tribute are currently being developed and will be presented to Clackmannanshire Council at a future meeting.

Forson emphasized Sir George's enduring impact, stating

"Sir George's contribution continued to resonate across Clackmannanshire and beyond."

She further added,

"Adding a slab that commemorates George Reid is about recognising his contribution but also, in moving forward, we are ensuring that what we choose to commemorate are people who are important to Clackmannanshire."

The pathway in question is a notable route adjacent to the council's Kilncraigs headquarters, leading directly to Alloa Tower.

Story by local democracy reporter Clare Buchanan