CONTROL of one of Scotland's best-loved landmarks will transfer into council hands before the year is out.

Stirling councillors voted yesterday to take charge of the National Wallace Monument despite a last-minute plea by current operators Stirling District Tourism (SDT), who accused the local authority of failing to invest in the 151-year-old asset and claimed the change would put William Wallace's legacy at risk.

SDT's Zillah Jamieson had on Wednesday launched an appeal to transfer the tower into community ownership.

At yesterday's meeting, council leader Scott Farmer said it already is.

Ownership of the monument was given to the local authority in 1939 and it has allowed SDT to run the site under a 25-year contract which ends within months.

The council said it could not agree a "best value" deal in the most recent round of talks.

Management will transfer on November 27 in what officials say will signal "the start of a bold and exciting tourism offering for the region".

Work will now get underway on putting the iconic landmark at the centre of an "ambitious tourism and cultural approach" for Stirling and the wider area.

Council leader Scott Farmer said: "The decision taken by the council shows we are resolute in our commitment to safeguarding this world-famous attraction and its staff in these challenging times.

"The National Wallace Monument already stands proudly over Stirling and now we can move forward with our bold plans to make it a beacon for the wider tourism offering in the area.

"It is regrettable that SDT has not taken a more constructive approach to negotiations but it’s now time to move on and collaborate with key organisations and local communities to grow the profile of this iconic attraction across the globe.

“Our door will always remain open to SDT, however, and I hope they will engage in a positive partnership with council officers to ensure a smooth transition so this jewel in Scotland’s crown can prosper for years to come."

There had been concerns that the change would see the site shut over winter.

However, coucnillors were told this "should not have to" happen — if SDT engages "proactively and positively in supporting the process of transfer".

Staff at the monument will have their jobs and pay protected.

Further negotiations will now have to take place over the operation of the cafe, car park and visitor centre, all of which are run by SDT on land leased from the Cowane's Trust charity.

Depute council leader Danny Gibson said: "Over the past 150 years, Stirling Council and its predecessors have always stepped up to protect and conserve this publicly owned and treasured local asset, and the council will continue to do so once it assumes management of the monument as well.

"Securing the best future for this global attraction, its hard-working staff and the local community is in everyone’s interests. We will work with a range of national and local organisations to achieve this and I hope SDT will be part of that." 

A special working group involving Historic Environment Scotland, VisitScotland and local organisations will now be set up. SDT will be invited to join this.