21 August 2006
Smith calls for permanent home for Lion of Scotland at the Parliament
Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West has recently met with local Cramond based sculptor Ronnie Rae at his exhibition of work in Holyrood Park . The exhibition, which is running from 27th May 2006 - 20th May 2007, is a display of some of Ronnie’s gigantic granite sculptures. Ronnie spent many years creating his work in the grounds of Cramond Kirk, which allowed many locals and passers by to witness the transformation of the his work from a piece of granite rock to a work of art. Much of his work is currently on display in the park.
The Holyrood exhibition and in particular his piece “The Lion of Scotland” has proved to be a big hit with the public.
Margaret has been a strong supporter of Ronnie’s work and tried to get the Lion sited at the new Parliament building prior to its’ opening. Margaret’s particularly keen to see the Lion given a permanent home on Scottish Parliament land:
Margaret said: “The lion is Scotland’s historic symbol so what more appropriate home could be found for this piece than at the Parliament? I have tabled a parliamentary motion calling on the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body to investigate ways that the lion could be given a permanent home on parliament land.”
Margaret’s motion has received wide cross party support. Margaret added: “I hope more MSPs will sign up and members of the public who want to support this campaign can sign the petition form.”
Motion: S2M-4719 Margaret Smith: The Lion of Scotland Sculpture
That the Parliament recognises the excellent work of Edinburgh-based sculptor, Ronald Rae of Cramond, highlighted in the ongoing exhibition of his work in Holyrood Park supported by the Scottish Executive New Arts Sponsorship Awards and Historic Scotland; further notes that the sculpture "The Lion of Scotland" has proved particularly popular with the public, and, bearing in mind that the lion is our historic national symbol, calls on the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to investigate the possibility of the sculpture being re-sited permanently outside the Parliament building.
Supported by: Rt Hon Jim Wallace, Dennis Canavan, Robin Harper, Mike Pringle, Dr Jean Turner, Shiona Baird, Fiona Hyslop, Frances Curran, Donald Gorrie, Mr Andrew Arbuckle, Mr Ted Brocklebank, Roseanna Cunningham, Rt Hon Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, Fergus Ewing, Christine Grahame, Cathy Peattie, Mike Rumbles, Eleanor Scott, Ms Sandra White, Mrs Mary Mulligan, Tommy Sheridan, Ms Maureen Watt
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