Press Release.........Press Release.........Press Release........
Plans to celebrate the
‘Father of Scottish Democracy’
250th Anniversary
National Committee formed
A National Committee has been formed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of
Thomas Muir – known as ‘The Father of Scottish Democracy’.
The committee brings together academics, advocates, local history representatives and politicians
from various political parties, to celebrate Scottish democracy in 2015. They are:










Jo Swinson MP (Liberal Democrat)
Fiona McLeod MSP (SNP - Parliamentary sponsor)
Provost Una Walker (Labour - EDC)
Councillor Billy Hendry (Conservative - EDC)
Professor Gerard Carruthers (UofG)
Brian Fitzpatrick (Advocate / The Muir Society)
Hector MacMillan (Muir biographer / Playwright)
Rev Graham Finch (Cadder Church)
Jimmy Watson (Chair – FOTM)
Don Martin (Secretary – FOTM / Editor SLHF)
A full programme of events has been planned for this year by the Friends of Thomas Muir of
Huntershill. Some dates and times have yet to be confirmed, but include:


7th – 14th March: John Kay Original Print Exhibition (character prints of those involved from
the period) at the Thomas Muir Coffee Shop, Huntershill Village – Part of Local History Week
31st March to 2nd April: Exhibition stand at the Scottish Parliament












12th June: Scottish Local History Forum event at St Andrews House
June – Sept: National Portrait Gallery - Portrait sketch of Thomas Muir by David Martin
exhibited
24th August 1pm – Word Power Books - MURRAY ARMSTRONG discusses the legacy of
Thomas Muir (D.O.B. 24/08/1765) at the Edinburgh Book Fringe 2015
26th August - 'National Portrait Gallery’ - Lunchtime talk and tour - Professor Gerard
Carruthers and Professor Nigel Leask
August: Memorial Thomas Muir engraved window - commissioned by Cadder Church
September - two-hour reception at the Scottish Parliament
 Academic and Local History keynote speakers
 Douglas Academy performing music and pupil speaker
 Bishopbriggs Academy pupils writing & performing an original Thomas Muir
theme play (approx. 10mins)
rd
3 October – Democracy Walk - A dedication service at the Scottish Political Martyrs
Monument in the Old Calton Cemetery, Edinburgh, followed by a formal walk to the Scottish
Parliament lead by Milngavie Pipe Band.
October - 'National Portrait Gallery’ - Youth Debate ’16 & 17 year olds – The right to vote’ –
Douglas Academy, SYP and NPG – date TBC
Centre of Robert Burns studies at University of Glasgow - Symposium - Date TBC
14th - 28th November: East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Competition. Theme Thomas Muir
portrait - Finalists to be exhibited at the Thomas Muir Coffee Shop, Huntershill – overall
winning portrait to be gifted to the Scottish Parliament
20th November – University of Glasgow Chapel – Concert – Dick Gaughan (TBC), Kirkintilloch
Male Voice Choir (TBC) and Rallion
The Muir Society and Faculty of Advocates events
Thomas Muir was born in Glasgow in 1765 and his passionate campaigning for freedom of speech
and democracy was instrumental in sowing the seeds that brought about the jury reform, the
universal right to vote and inspired the formation of a whole raft of reform societies which have
shaped our nation today.
He is remembered, however, in East Dunbartonshire, with a small museum of memorabilia in
Bishopbriggs Library and an annual celebration of his life and work - organised by the Friends of
Thomas Muir and supported by East Dunbartonshire Council and others.
A bust and permanent exhibition of Thomas Muir sits in Bishopbriggs Library and the Thomas Muir
Cairn stands at the top of Crowhill Road opposite Huntershill House (Muir’s family home).
Quotes:
National Coordinator Jimmy Watson said: “With 2015 being the 250th Anniversary of the birth of
Thomas Muir, the ‘Father of Scottish Democracy’, it’s a fantastic opportunity to remember and
celebrate all those who fought for democracy and our right to vote.”
Brian Fitzpatrick, Advocate:
““Until we are all free, we are none of us free. ” sentiments expressed by Emma Lazarus but worthy
of Thomas Muir, advocate and revolutionary. Those beliefs were at the core of the political
philosophy that inspired his life: a life committed, and eventually sacrificed, to the ideals of a new
world of human rights and social justice. Those values led him to demand universal suffrage,
freedom of expression, democratic accountability and the right to a fair trial. He deserves to be
regarded as Scotland’s Jefferson or Voltaire and all democrats owe him a great debt for helping
shape modern Britain. We should commit ourselves to proclaiming and affirming his life, works and
eternal values.”
Gerard Carruthers, Francis Hutcheson Professor of Scottish Literature:
“If Robert Burns is rightly seen as a totemic figure from 18th century Scotland, then Thomas Muir is
his equal in looking both at his own time and signalling to the future with the most generous cultural
imagination. With Muir more than anyone in his day, we find those ideals of freedom of conscience
and expression and of the pursuit of democracy followed with disregard for his own worldly success
and, indeed, personal safety.”
Councillor Alan Moir, Convener of Development and Regeneration at East Dunbartonshire Council,
said, "This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Muir - and I am delighted to hear
that plans are already well underway to celebrate the milestone.
"I am particularly pleased that East Dunbartonshire schools and young people are once again
involved in celebrating Muir through a number of interesting and innovative events."
Notes to editors
1) In 1838 the first Thomas Muir / Huntershill Festival was held at Mosesfield, Springburn. The
Chairman was Charles James Tennant of St Rollox.
2) The 18th-century advocate Thomas Muir was instrumental in encouraging the establishment of
parliamentary reform societies in Scotland, leaving a lasting legacy of democracy.
3) The ‘Friends of Thomas Muir’ is a working partnership between East Dunbartonshire Council and
the community (registered Scottish charity).
4) The main aim of the Friends of Thomas Muir is to promote awareness of Thomas Muir and at the
same time promote an interest in democracy, outdoor activities, education, local history and
tourism.
5) A bust and permanent exhibition of Thomas Muir sits in Bishopbriggs Library and the Thomas
Muir Cairn stands at the top of Crowhill Road opposite Huntershill House (Muir’s family home).
Further afield, he’s celebrated in the Museum of Australian Democracy and is a citizen of France.
6) There is a 90-foot monument to Muir and the Scottish Political Martyrs at Caltonhill, Edinburgh,
and a 34-foot monument at Nunhead Cemetery, London.
7) For more info on events and Friends of Thomas Muir visit www.thomasmuir.co.uk
Ends ( 860 words)
Contact: Jimmy Watson, Thomas Muir 250 - National Committee Coordinator
Mobile: 07980 76 76 66
Email: jimmy@thomasmuir.co.uk
Date: 18th February 2015
Updated: 31st March 2015