Council Decides to Remove Stone Commemorating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Councillors in Clackmannanshire have voted in favor of removing and replacing a stone slab that commemorates a visit to Alloa by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The slab marked the former prince's opening of Parliament Way in November 2002.
The motion to remove the stone was proposed by council leader Ellen Forson and received backing from the councillors. The slab is located on the route near the council's Kilncraigs headquarters, on the path leading to Alloa Tower.
Proposal to Replace Stone with Memorial for Sir George Reid
In addition to removing the existing slab, councillors supported a proposal to replace it with a memorial stone honoring the former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Sir George Reid, who passed away in August of the previous year.
Forson explained that she had been contacted by several constituents regarding the slab recognizing the former prince. She stated:
"For me, it is a straightforward issue about who and why we choose to recognise in our shared civic spaces.
"I believe it is appropriate that the existing reference to the former Prince Andrew is removed."
The motion emphasized that honors in public spaces must "command public confidence and reflect the values and integrity expected by our communities." Following the decision, council officers will work on developing a proposed design and wording for the replacement slab.
Forson further highlighted Sir George Reid's lasting impact, saying:
"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,"
"His contribution continued to resonate across Clackmannanshire and beyond."
Story by local democracy reporter Clare Buchanan
