Smith welcomes reprieve for Lion

7/3/08

Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed the decision to keep Ronald Rae’s ‘Lion of Scotland’ sculpture at Holyrood for the next three years. The sculpture was due to be relocated this month but following calls from members of the public and an ongoing campaign by the Edinburgh West MSP, friends of the artist, and others, discussions are to take place regarding a long term loan from the artist.

Commenting, Margaret said, “I am delighted that the Lion of Scotland will now be staying at Holyrood for the next few years. It is a fantastic sculpture by a local artist and the national symbol of Scotland, so this is the perfect place for it.

“A number of people contacted me during my campaign to let me know of their support for keeping the sculpture in this location and I know that many more will be delighted that it is staying. I’m glad that the Scottish Parliament’s Art Advisory Group and Corporate Body have listened to the people of Scotland as well as the many visitors to Edinburgh who were calling for the Lion to remain at its current site.”