DEDICATING public funds to a memorial for the late Queen in Scotland is “an astonishing display of misplaced priorities,” campaigners have said.
First Minister John Swinney confirmed on Saturday a committee is to be established to consider a potential memorial for the late Queen Elizabeth after a similar body was set up to create plans for a monument in England.
It has now been decided a memorial will be set up in St James’ Park in London which will be financed by public funds.
The UK Government is set to make funding available for memorial projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
But Tristan Gray, treasurer of Scottish anti-monarchy group Our Republic, suggested memorials for the former monarch aren’t appropriate given warnings from Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the pubic should expect a “painful” Budget next month.
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He also questioned why the Scottish Government was dedicating time to a committee for the project when the country is facing severe cuts to public services.
He suggested if there is to be a memorial in Scotland, it should be paid for directly by the royal family.
Gray told The National: "The decision to dedicate public funds and support to the time and cost of a committee to a remembrance event - immediately after announcements making clear that Scotland will be facing severe cuts to public services - is an astonishing display of misplaced priorities.
“Ordinary people have been told to accept ‘pain’ and that those with the broadest shoulders ‘should bear the heavier burden’ by Keir Starmer. This apparently does not apply to the billionaire monarchy.
“The passing of Elizabeth Windsor did impact many people. However, the decision to take on the costs of the funeral and coronation of her son, Charles, on public finances at a time of austerity rather than the billionaire family who inherited her wealth was a mistake.
“To double down on that decision as ordinary people look to more years of slashed funding for public finances shows just how far our public institutions have gone astray as our representatives are forced to pledge their loyalty to this family instead of to the people they represent.”
Gray suggested if there is to be a memorial in Scotland, it should be paid for directly by the royal family.
“The Windsor family are more than capable of leveraging their wealth and the staff of the Crown to arrange a memorial project if they see fit,” he said.
“We have no doubt many in Scotland would find comfort in them doing so. That does not mean that public investment should be diverted to this effort on their behalf as public services are told to consider what support for people in need may no longer be funded.”
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Green MSP Maggie Chapman previously told The National a memorial project would be “wholly inappropriate” when polls suggest most Scots do not support the monarchy and Labour is “pushing a new era of austerity”.
Plans for the Scottish project are understood to be at an early stage and the Scottish Government said it would release further details in due course.
Commenting on the national memorial plans, Swinney said: “My thoughts, and those of the Scottish people, are with the King and the royal family as they mark the second anniversary of the death of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
“I welcome proposals for a national memorial to Queen Elizabeth in London to mark her life and service across the UK.
“A Scottish committee will also be established to engage with the UK legacy programme and to consider a potential memorial project specific to Scotland.”
The Scottish Government did not wish to make any further comment.
The UK Government Cabinet Office has been approached for comment.
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