Plans for a George Square redesign could have implications for one of the city’s most important events, according to an MSP.

As revealed in the Glasgow Times last month, the council is about to consult the public about a revamp of the square.

It will involve moving the statues of Queen Victoria and Prince Alber from the west side to the east outside the City Chambers.

It will also see a raised grass area in front of the Cenotaph accessed by steps.

Glasgow Times: George Square aerial design sketch

Paul Sweeney, Glasgow Labour MSP has said he is concerned it will affect the annual Remembrance Sunday parade held in the Square every November.

Currently, armed forces and other organisations gather their ranks in front of the Cenotaph where the grassed area is planned, during the service.

Also, after the service, they parade from the square in front of the City Chambers where the Lord Provost takes the salute.

Sweeney said while there are aspects of the redesign, he sees merit in he wonders if the Remembrance service has been given due consideration.

He said: “I am seriously concerned whether this has been thought through.”

He is concerned that moving the large equestrian statues of Victoria and Albert to the front of the City Chambers will block the traditional parade route.

The annual Remembrance Sunday service and veterans parade will take place on November 12 this year.

The redesign plans are not final and will be open for consultation and comments from the public once the planning application has been received.

While he said the proposal was better than some previous plans that didn’t come to fruition there are points to raise.

The west side of the square is where often political and protest events take place.

Sweeney wants to be sure that this can still be the case.

He also said there is an opportunity for a permanent platform area that can be used to prevent the need for temporary mobile stages being brought in.

He added: “The city uses the square as a democratic space. There is always something going on.”

He suggested something like the Queen’s Park arena that can be used as a public speaking area.

The council has said that the opinions of people throughout the engagement process of recent years have helped shape the proposal.

On remembrance, a spokesperson added that while it is too early to be specific it could offer opportunities and would be for discussion.

For example, it’s been noted the participants could gather all around the raised area, which itself will give a more prominent position to the crosses and poppy wreaths.  

A spokesperson said: “The new positioning of the Victoria and Albert statues close to the Cenotaph may provide the opportunity for an improved march route.”