HOLYROOD ROOMS TO GET SCOTTISH IDENTITY

HOLYROOD ROOMS TO GET SCOTTISH IDENTITY

GREAT SCOTS TO BE RECOGNISED IN PARLIAMENT

Committee Rooms in Holyrood are to be given a Scottish identity after the Parliament agreed to a suggestion from SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson to name the six committee rooms after historical figures that have made a significant contribution to Scotland.

Mr Gibson first made the suggestion that Parliament recognise Scotland's contribution to medicine, science, literature, philosophy and history last December in a Parliamentary motion and wrote to the Parliament’s corporate body to encourage them to take up the idea.

After unanimous agreement in the corporate body MSPs have now been asked to suggest suitable historical figures by the end of the year.

Mr Gibson has submitted the following names:

Theoretical physicist and mathematician James Clerk Maxwell

Alexander Fleming, discoverer of penicillin.

Adam Smith, author of the 'Wealth of Nations'

James Watt, inventor of the steam engine.

John Logie Baird, inventor of the television.

William Wallace, Scottish patriot.

Welcoming the decision to give the Committee Rooms a Scottish identity Mr Gibson said:

“As well as building a future for Scotland in our Parliament we must also recognise Scotland’s history and our place in the world.

“Scotland is one of the most inventive nations on earth and the role of Scots in creating the modern world through the enlightenment is internationally recognised.

“Whether it is great scientists, economists, thinkers, campaigners, medics or Scottish patriots this is a great opportunity to bring the recognition Parliament gives to Scotland’s writers on the wall outside Parliament into the building itself.

“I have put in my suggestions and I hope MSPs will now take the opportunity to engage and to suggest great Scots from history that our Parliament should recognise.

“Perhaps MSPs will find it more inspiring to work for the future of our nation in the Adam Smith or Alexander Fleming room than in Committee Room 1 or 2.”