Following recent inaccurate reporting in the media and elsewhere, we want to clarify that there are no plans to remove the plaque from Melville Monument in St Andrew Square.
The Development Management Sub-committee’s decision on Wednesday (1 March) was on a technicality: the planning application wasn’t from the owner of the statue, so no further action is required. The discussion on if it should or will be removed does not apply here.
As caretakers of the statue since 1822, and following positive engagement with the owners (proprietors of St Andrew Square), councillors agreed the new plaque and wording, which provides a more representative story of Henry Dundas.
A temporary sign featuring the agreed wording was erected for a short time before being replaced by the permanent plaque in October 2021.
History of the plaque at the monument
Council Leader calls meeting to consider wording of statue's plaque
New wording for plaque at Melville Monument agreed
Temporary signs installed at Melville Monument