From hero to zero
Tower plaque slammed as a cheap replacement
was bronze and is undoubtedly worth a bit of scrap money.
“It is a historic artifact put in place by Kyle and Carrick District Council.”
Builders ripped down the plaque when South Ayrshire Council’s offices were being refurbished more than a year ago. Councillor Douglas has asked again and again when the sign will be put back.
He said: “The plaque was taken down when contractors were carrying out work.
“I was told it was in safe hands. I kept asking when it would be put back up again. If it has been stolen I want to know about it. Why has it not reappeared? It has been displaced by a cheap metal sign.”
The original signage reads: “This tower commemorates Si r Wi l l i a m Wa l l a c e ‘ Guardian of Scotland’, through whose efforts the recovery of Scottish independence was begun with victory over the English at Stirling Bridge in 1297.”
It explained the tower was 115ft in height and one of a series of Wallace monument s b u i l t throughout Scotland in the 19th century.
There was also a mention of how the Statue of Wallace was by James Thom who executed a replica for Lord Gray’s seat of Kinfauns Castle, Perth.
After being contacted by the Post, a council boss has vowed to return the plaque to its rightful position.
Donald Gillies, council head of property and risk, said: “The plaque was removed and placed into storage while important restoration work was undertaken at the tower to create the customer service centre.
“Consideration had been given to renewing the plaque as it displayed the former Kyle and Carrick District Council crest at its base.
“However given the plaque’s historical nature it will now be re- erected in its original location. “