GEORGE Square in Glasgow is to have a total makeover.
The council, as ever, will consult stakeholders. Outside Greggs, on the southwest corner, will they seek the opinions of steak bake holders?
All of the square's statuary, apart from the cenotaph, is to get the heave-ho. Walter Scott will be knocked off his perch, while Victorian politicians, scientists and men of letters will be rehoused, perhaps even in Govan.
Queen Victoria and her horse should stay as part of a Glasgow niche market in equestrian statues. There is no room for Prince Albert's horse but he can get a backie from the wife in the manner of Rolf Harris's two little boys.
Let's bring King William (aka Billy) down from Cathedral Square on his cuddie with the ball-and-socket tail that moves in the wind. The Duke of Wellington and his traffic cone hat moves around the corner from Ingram Street, while Rabbie Burns returns but on horseback.
An important relocation will be Lobey Dosser's two-legged steed El Fideldo from the west end. Glasgow's horses will be a new wonder of the world.
It is important the square is reconfigured with space for parties and protests, dotted with glass structures where folk can have a coffee and watch the rain. The glass should be retractable for the summer, which next year is pencilled in for the second Tuesday in May.
George Square used to be the place for a riot, like in 1919 when the polis failed, despite their best efforts with the baton, to contain Clydeside strikers. The government sent in 10,000 non-Glaswegian troops with tanks, machine guns on rooftops, and artillery at the City Chambers.
The makeover is a historic chance to drop George the German from the name. The People's Square has a ring to it. Or maybe just Clyde Square.
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