Council gives Backing to Campaign

ANGUS Council on Thursday gave its unanimous backing to the campaign initially proposed by Northeast MSP Alex Johnstone, seeking World Heritage Site status for Arbroath Abbey

Their decision was in response to a motion put forward by Hayshead and Lunan independent councillor, Bob Spink.

The abbey was the venue for the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, a letter sent to Pope John XXII in 1320 in support of King Robert the Bruce and an independent Scotland, which is said to have inspired the American Declaration of Independence.

Addressing the meeting, Councillor Spink said, "I bring this motion forward in response to the unfortunate publicity, mostly political, which has up till now tainted this proposed application which, in reality and if successful, can only benefit Arbroath and Angus.

He continued. "I am a patriotic Scot And very proud to be so. I know as much, I suspect, as Anyone in this chamber about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce. the Battle of Bannockburn, the Highland Clearances, etc., I have visited the palaces at Versailles and St Germaine because of their link with Marie Rose, a lady well loved by the French And known to us, of course, as Mary Queen of Scots.

I have come to know the respect there exists (on the Continent) for the Scottish people and the held perception of our country, and that is the very individuality we must perpetuate and protect, as we seek to do in this application.

'We must accept that Arbroath Abbey is of no great architectural importance as a building and the Italian stonemasons who built it no doubt built many to the same basic design. The Abbey could not be expected to compare with the many grand castles, cathedrals, chateaux, etc, found throughout Europe, but the unique and priceless distinction it has is its association with the Declaration of Arbroath, and this is the hook on which our claim for World Heritage Status must be hung.

"Its words are spoken often, and with passion, the world over. They echo through growing events such as Tartan Day, just as they echo through history. Our small country wields pride as a sword which far outweighs its size, and far furth of its borders. We have a priceless tourist asset with potential barely realised. Twelve years is a long time, and the road will not be easy, with many questions to answer along the way, but the journey there is often as rewarding as the destination itself.

"To have any chance of success, the campaign must have all round public support, with sincere backing from all concerned, including political, it must be sincere, for that sincerity will be tested.

"I ask this council to do its bit and give its support openly. The rewards can be great, and one day we may even yet see the Declaration of Arbroath document displayed in Arbroath Abbey where it belongs. I commend this motion to the council."

The motion was seconded by Councillor Alex King.

Council leader Rob Murray said the council would become fully involved in the application process but introduced a cautionary note about the long road ahead for campaigners.

He commented “The campaign is to have it included in the tentative list and only once it is chosen by the department of culture, media and sport will the nomination process begin!”

The council's decision was welcomed by the community steering group set up to run the campaign earlier this month. Co¬ordinator Jim Millar, said "I am delighted that Angus Council have backed Councillor Spink's motion.

"The backing of the local authority is a cornerstone to any campaign for World Heritage Site status and without the council's assistance, the campaign would have quickly fallen.

'We can now move forward and do all that we can to encourage people to add their support to a campaign that we can expect to last for the next 15 years.

"The new Steering Group will have its first meeting late next month when I hope that office bearers will be elected and discussions can take place about the best way to proceed and include as many local organisations and individuals as possible. We have to be ready to fight our case against some very stiff opposition indeed, but I am confident that our argument for inclusion on the World Heritage List is sound and well thought out."

Scotland currently has four designated world heritage sites, St Kilda, Edinburgh Old and New Town, New Lanark and Neolithic Orkney

Only one nominated site from Scotland can be put forward to Unesco by the executive each year.