New Petitions

The next petition is PE1325, by Patrick Scott Hogg, calling for the Parliament to support the erection of a statue of Thomas Muir in the vicinity of the Parliament building or at an appropriate place on the Royal Mile. Do members have any comments?

Thomas Muir is a hugely important figure for Scotland. He is probably as important now as he ever was, but it is not up to the Parliament to decide where statues are erected. I am not sure what other statues of him there are. I know that there is a Thomas Muir museum and centre in Dunbar, and I think that I am right in saying that there is a statue of him there, too. However, it would be interesting to find out from the City of Edinburgh Council whether it would consider such a thing.

I support what Rhona Brankin has said. I think that what the petition seeks is a great idea, but it is not up to the Scottish Parliament. I assume that the City of Edinburgh Council makes such decisions, so I would contact it to see what it thinks about the idea.

I speak on this issue as chair of the Scottish Parliament art advisory group. We have had many offers of statues of famous people in Scottish history and have taken the view that the Parliament is not the appropriate place for such commemorative statues. It is much better for local councils to honour the people who have honoured places in their past. The Scottish Parliament cannot go down that road.

So, the recommendation is that we make inquiries of the appropriate organisations or bodies to decide on what the petition seeks. There might be a broader debate about how to recognise the contribution made by individuals such as Thomas Muir to the evolution of Scottish democracy. Others will decide whether there should be a statue of him, but there may well be other ways in which to recognise individuals who have made a contribution.

It might be worth while for us to write to the Scottish Government to ask for its opinion on the erection of statues of historic figures. I take on board what Robin Harper said about the corporate body’s views on accepting pieces of art, but perhaps the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament should consider those historic figures who made a major contribution not only to Scotland or the United Kingdom, but in shifting the thinking of many people around the world. Perhaps they should reconsider their view on whether to commission art.I am struck by the fact that the Houses of Parliament can erect statues of past Prime Ministers within their vicinity. We are all aware of the unveiling by Tony Blair of the statue of Margaret Thatcher two years ago—I think that it was Tony Blair who unveiled it. We have to take some responsibility for people who have played a significant role either in Scottish society or around the world. We have an opportunity to recognise and mark the contribution that Scots have made to thinking around the world, and the petition might present an opportunity to open up a debate about that with the Government and in the Parliament.

I think that I was getting confused. The Dunbar Muir is a different Muir. I clarify that there are definitely no statues in Dunbar of the Thomas Muir who made a contribution to democracy and the democratic process.

Common names in Scotland such as Muir can confuse us all.We will take those suggestions on board and explore them. We will bring the petition back in due course.