COUNCIL chiefs have been criticised for lighting up the Wallace Tower in Ayr in honour of Queen Elizabeth.
South Ayrshire Council - which is headed up by a minority Tory administration - lit up the 19th-century landmark in red, white and blue on Sunday and said it would remain illuminated in the colours of the Union flag on Monday during the late Queen's funeral.
But republicans have slammed the decision given Wiliam Wallace's key role in the battle for Scottish independence at the end of the 13th century.
Ex-SNP policy adviser Tim Rideout said on Twitter it was an "insult" to his memory and corrected the council when it described the late monarch as Queen Elizabeth II.
He said: "Firstly, Elizabeth I of Scots. Secondly, a complete insult to the memory of Sir William Wallace."
Firstly, Elizabeth I of Scots. Secondly, a complete insult to the memory of Sir William Wallace. https://t.co/JXa6pDeBfL
— Tim Rideout (@RideoutTim) September 18, 2022
Another Twitter user called Hornedlivestock wrote: "If being hanged, drawn, and quartered by a monarch wasn't sufficient, now William Wallace posthumously bows to celebrate the life of a monarch who represents Scotland's shackling."
Ewan Hunter, meanwhile, described the move as a "deliberately political act".
He said: "A deliberately political act designed to upset & show complete disrespect. Yet, they would be the first to demand respect.
"They not only disrespect the memory of William Wallace whilst pouring scorn on all Scots; they also disrespect the moment of HM Queen Elizabeth's passing."
The Wallace Tower - created by Robert Snodgrass Snr - is one of two prominent Wallace memorials in Scotland alongside the Wallace Monument in Stirling.
Queen Elizabeth's funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey from 11am on Monday.
