Glasgow's George Square redesign may affect Remembrance Sunday
An MSP has stated that the redesign of George Square could potentially affect one of the city's most significant events.
As reported last month in the Glasgow Times, the council is getting ready to ask the public for their opinions on how to renovate the square.
The upcoming plan includes repositioning the sculptures of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Instead of being on the western side of the City Chambers, they will be placed on the eastern side.
There will also be an elevated stretch of grass in front of the Cenotaph that will be reached by means of steps.
Paul Sweeney, a representative from the Labour party in Glasgow, expressed his worries about how this will impact the customary Remembrance Sunday march that takes place in the Square every year during November.
At the moment, military and additional groups assemble their members in front of the Cenotaph where there is a designated lawn area for the ceremony.
Furthermore, following the ceremony, they march through the public area located in front of the City Chambers, where the Lord Provost acknowledges them.
Sweeney mentioned that although there are certain parts of the redesign that he finds worthy, he questions whether adequate thought has been given to the Remembrance service.
He expressed his worry that this matter may not have been fully considered.
He's worried that if Victoria and Albert equestrian statues are relocated to the front of City Chambers, they might obstruct the customary route that is taken during parades.
This year, on November 12, the yearly event of Remembrance Sunday service and veterans parade will be organized.
The proposed changes are still subject to review and will be open to feedback and suggestions from the community after the application for planning has been submitted.
issue during the upcoming parliamentary session. He emphasized that the matter is of grave concern and needs urgent attention. The Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) stated that he will bring attention to the problem in the upcoming session at the Parliament. He stressed that the issue is very important and requires immediate action.
Although he acknowledged that the proposition was an improvement compared to previous failed attempts, there are certain aspects to be addressed.
Political and protest events are frequently held on the western side of the square.
Sweeney desires to confirm whether this assertion still holds true.
Additionally, he mentioned the possibility of creating a permanent space that could serve as a platform and eliminate the necessity of setting up temporary mobile stages.
He stated: "The square is utilized by the city as a space for democracy. There is consistently some activity taking place."
He proposed the idea of having a public speaking space similar to the Queen's Park stadium.
The proposal's development has been influenced by the thoughts and viewpoints of individuals who participated in the engagement process over the past few years, according to the council.
Regarding remembrance, a representative stated that although it is too soon to give details, it could present possibilities and will be up for debate.
One instance that was observed is that the attendees could convene around the elevated platform, which in turn will emphasize the crosses and poppy wreaths.
According to a representative, repositioning the statues of Victoria and Albert closer to the Cenotaph could potentially lead to a better parade route.
