Abbey Campaign To Launch Petition

The campaign to achieve World Heritage Status for Arbroath Abbey steps up a gear tomorrow (Saturday).

An iconic monument of huge importance, the Abbey was the birthplace of the Declaration of Arbroath. And campaigners believe that this assertion of Scottish independence in 1320 will provide the basis for a successful World Heritage bid thus giving it the global recognition this magnificent place fully deserves.

The campaign was started just over two years ago, but it will be given its public launch at the Abbey tomorrow at 11 a.m.

One of the most important criteria for securing World Heritage Status is the backing of local people. A petition has been launched and by signing it people will be demonstrating their full commitment to the preservation and protection of Arbroath Abbey for future generations to enjoy.

The campaigners fully believe that the Abbey fulfils all the strict criteria set down by the United Nations. People signing the petition will send a strong message to the UN that they support the campaign and believe that they should recognise the significance of the Declaration of Arbroath.

If successful, Arbroath Abbey will join four Scottish sites which have been recognised: St Kilda, Edinburgh's old and new town, New Lanark and Neolithic Orkney

Chairman of the campaign group, Jim Millar, said: "The new stand and leaflets that the lottery grant enabled us to buy will help us make a real impact on the campaign. One of the criteria that the United Nations has for granting World Heritage Site Status is demonstrable support by local people, especially young people and we will be using this promotional material to go round local events and schools encouraging people to sign up and show their support. We will also have a new campaign website from Abertay University up and running which will allow people to track the campaign.

"When the campaign was first launched, I met with the Minister for Tourism Culture and Sport along with her civil servants and she was very supportive of the idea. Now that there is a change in Government we will be asking for a meeting with the new Minister, who I very much hope will be equally supportive. The bid cannot succeed without Government support.

"With only one site from each country being accepted per year, we have a long wait and a long campaign on our hands, but it will be more than worth it to raise awareness of Arbroath's unique contribution to the emerging notion of democracy in the medieval world. Success with this campaign will encourage many more people to visit Arbroath and Angus, and all the economic benefits that this will bring." Members of the public are invited to go along to the Abbey at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday) and lend their support to the campaign by signing the petition. Angus Provost Ruth Leslie Melville will be present giving her backing to the campaign.