STIRLING’S MP and MSP have demanded answers from a Better Together council after an iconic landmark was demolished without warning.

The Christie Clock has stood in the city for more than 100 years but was found to be unstable when it was inspected by structural engineers last week.

Despite efforts to initially just remove the crown of the landmark, the pillar also had to be removed due to a lack of stability, the council said.

But locals are furious over the matter, claiming it was removed overnight without warning on Friday.

Now that the clock has been removed from the site, restoration work on the pillar, crown and clock will be looked at, officials have said.

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Stirling MP Alyn Smith has written to council leader Chris Kane seeking answers over the “botched restoration”.

The area’s MSP Evelyn Tweed has also written to the council after receiving a number of emails from constituents expressing “deep shock”.

In his letter, Smith said: “I write to raise with you my dismay at the events of the last few days regarding the Christie Clock at Allan Park.

“My understanding is that this was an attempt at restoration that went wrong and I am glad at least that none of the workers or indeed general public were hurt.

“It remains though, a shocking failure in its execution and the dismay with which many residents have watched the footage of the clock’s destruction is real, and I share it.

“I appreciate there is an ongoing investigation into this and I would urge a speedy and transparent prosecution of it.

“I would be confident that even in these difficult times for the public finances ample support exists to see the clock rebuilt safely.”

Last year, the Labour group struck a deal with the Tories to claim power despite the SNP being the largest group.

Smith asked Kane to confirm the intention was to restore the clock and make it safe and what advice was taken during the planning and execution of the restoration.

He has additionally asked what assessment has been made of the scope for restoration given the attempt at the weekend went “so wrong”.

The clock tower was erected in 1906 in memory of George Christie, who was Provost of the Royal Burgh of Stirling from 1870 to 1879.

A Stirling Council spokesperson said: "We acknowledge and share the public upset following the demolition of the Christie Clock. 

"We have started an investigation into the circumstances leading to this. The investigation includes a review of the decision-making process leading up to the demolition following the identification of serious structural issues last week.  

"We can reassure the community that we are fully committed to the restoration and rebuild of this historic landmark and piece of Stirling's history."