SCOTTISH EUROVISION CAMPAIGN TAKEN TO HOLYROOD.

SCOTTISH EUROVISION CAMPAIGN TAKEN TO HOLYROOD.

The campaign for Scotland's own entry in the Eurovision Song Contest has taken its case to the Scottish Parliament.

Lynn Allan, one of the founders of the group 'Scotland in Eurovision', has officially lodged the e-petition with the Parliament's Petitions Committee calling for the Scottish Government "to make appropriate representations to take forward calls for Scotland to have its own entry in the Eurovision Song Contest."

The group has had support and advice from SNP Member of the European Parliament Alyn Smith, who has previously identified a legal way for Scotland to be represented and committed himself to assist the campaign.

Speaking after submitting the petition, Lynn Allan said:

"As this year's competition came and went, I was sad to see no Scottish act in the line-up.

"We have some spectacular talent in Scotland - Susan Boyle is testament to that - and with viewing figures as high as 500 million being quoted as the global audience for Eurovision, it's key that Scotland gets its opportunity to showcase the vast array of musical ability that we have.

"Hopefully the petition will demonstrate just how strong the demand for a Scottish entry is."

SNP MEP Alyn Smith added:

"Jade did an excellent job as the UK entry, but I'm confident Scotland can sing with the best and it would be good to have a Scottish entry on the Norwegian stage next year."

"This week, I visited a school in Gifford which was staging its own School-ovision contest. It was a great day that saw a class of Primary Five pupils competing against students from 30 other countries via a live-video link up and learning about their European neighbours whilst having a great time.

"While the pupils didn't top the table, they did us proud and showed that Scotland has what it takes to shine in the Eurovision song contest.

"At next year's Eurovision we could hear Scotland's voice on the European stage.

"The SNP is the only party to give Scotland a strong political voice in Europe, we need a strong cultural voice too and I'm confident we've got what it takes to hit the high note at Eurovision."