THE council responsible for illuminating the Wallace Tower in red, white and blue after the death of the Queen has broken its silence after controversy erupted over the "insulting" move.
The move to light the tower up in the colours of the Union Jack sparked fury among Scots, with a number directing their anger towards South Ayrshire Council, which is responsible for the building.
Many of the comments took exception to a monument for a figure of Scottish national pride being lit up in the colours of the Union Jack - with some highlighting that William Wallace had been executed in London by the English crown.
The Wallace Tower in Ayr will remain lit up in red, white and blue up to and including Monday 19 September to commemorate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/awajmyTy26
— South Ayrshire Council (@southayrshire) September 14, 2022
One reply to the council's tweet said: "Disgusting. Trashing the memory of William Wallace for this. Cultural appropriation by the Brits at its worst. Naw."
Writing to Eileen Howat, chief executive of the council, local MP Allan Dorans said: “Given the cultural significance of the building, the constituents complain that the decision was insulting to them personally offensive, insensitive, disrespectful to the memory of William Wallace, politically motivated and unnecessarily provocative.
“I would be grateful if you could provide me with the rationale for illuminating this particular building and the decision-making process which led to this taking place in order that I may respond to my constituents.”
And now The National can exclusively reveal the response the SNP MP received from the council.
Howat replied: “The Wallace Tower in Ayr is the only public building in South Ayrshire which can be illuminated to recognise events and charity campaigns. A programme of events/dates was agreed in November 2021 and ad hoc requests are also permitted.
“It was considered appropriate that South Ayrshire Council recognise the reign of the late Queen and arrangements were put in place to light up the Tower from 13 – 19 September 2022.”
The Queen’s funeral on Monday marked the end of a 10-day mourning period that saw demonstrations of respect to the late Monarch across the country.
However, the period was marked by a number of protests which voiced disapproval of the Monarchy and the inclusion of the controversial Prince Andrew in funeral proceedings.
