George Square

I hear that Glasgow's famous George Square is to be given a big face lift - and that the historic statues dotted around the place will be removed and found a new home elsewhere.

Now in all fairness I have to say that this is a good idea - in fact it's long overdue.

Because to most of people walking through or congregating in George Square from time to time - the statues mean nothing - with one or two notable exceptions.

Apparently a competition wil be decide what the new George Square will look like - with six internationally renowned architects talking part - and the notably opinionated citizens of Glasgow will be asked for their views, no less.

Goodness me, let's not get carried away - the city fathers will be talking about world peace and socialism next.

I know some of this because I listened to an interview on BBC Radio Scotland with the Glasgow City Council leader - Councillor Gordon Matheson.

Now Councillor Matheson was so excited he sounded like a wee boy who wakes up one morning and finds himself in a sweetie shop - with no adults around to supervise his sugar intake.

Me, I'm a little more sceptical - because I've been around long enough to know that being asked for your opinion is quite different - to anyone actually listening to what you have to say.

So I'll throw in my tuppence worth and what to see what happens in the New Year - when the whole business kicks off in earnest.

Meantime if anyone's listening about what to do with all these spare statues - I'd put them on one of the park avenues in Glasgow Green.

Not only would that look splendid - The Avenue of the Giants (Glasgow Version) - but people going for a stroll, walking their dogs or even just visiting our fair city - could stop and read about some of famous figures from the past.

Especially if there was a little more information about the people concerned - few of whom are household names by the way - and the nature of their connection with Glasgow to merit a statue being raised in their honour.