Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor commemoration slab in Alloa is removed
PA Wire/PA ImagesA stone slab commemorating a visit to Alloa by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has disappeared from view just a week after councillors approved a decision to remove it.
Clackmannanshire councillors agreed last Thursday to get rid of the paving stone put in place to mark the former Duke of York opening Parliament Way in November 2002.
The slab has now been replaced – or turned over – while plans progress for a fitting tribute on the pathway to the late Alloa politician Sir George Reid.
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office last month. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Council leader Ellen Forson had put forward the motion regarding the paving slab after being contacted by several constituents.
At the time, she said she believed it was "appropriate" that the existing reference to the former prince Andrew was removed.
Clare BuchananForson told the council last week that turning over the stone "could be a short -term solution" for the path, which runs alongside the council's Kilncraigs headquarters to Alloa Tower.
Councillors supported a proposal to replace the slab with a memorial stone remembering former presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament Sir George Reid, who died in August last year.
A proposed design and wording for his tribute on the walkway is being drawn up and will be brought back to Clackmannanshire Council at a future date.
Forson said Sir George's contribution continued to resonate across Clackmannanshire and beyond.
"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," she said.
