Animal rights group calls for plaque for cows at 19th Century Edinburgh slaughterhouse

An animal rights group has called for a plaque to be installed in memory of cows killed at a newly-discovered 19th century slaughterhouse.

The historic site was recently found by archaeologists during construction works near Edinburgh's Grassmarket area.

Peta has written to council leader Adam McVey urging him to support the move while describing the city as the UK's most vegan-friendly.

Director Elisa Allen said: Peta's plaque would memorialise the animals who died years ago at the site on King's Stables Road and remind passers-by that killing animals for their flesh is a practice that belongs firmly in the past.

Edinburgh's restaurants offer everything from vegan haggis to veggie burgers, so there's no better place in Scotland to give vegan eating a try.''

The charity said the commemorative plaque would read: In memory of all the cows who suffered and died in an abattoir on this very spot: Try vegan.''

An Edinburgh City Council spokeswoman said any decision on such a move would need permission from the site owner and would be subject to planning permission