Abbey Campaign Launches Petition

Campaigners who wish to secure World Heritage Site status for Arbroath Abbey were out in force at the weekend.

The group lobbying for the abbey to be recognised by the United Nations as a World Heritage site launched their petition outside the historic building on Saturday.

And one of the first to sign up to support the campaign was Angus Provost Ruth Leslie Melville.

She said: “I am delighted to wholeheartedly support this initiative. The Declaration of Arbroath, closely linked to the abbey, is an iconic document and early statement of democracy in the medieval world."

The campaigners believe that the abbey should be granted World Heritage Site Status on the basis of its links with the Declaration of Arbroath signed at the abbey in 1320 urging the Pope to recognise Scotland's independence.

One of the key criteria for attaining World Heritage Site status is enlisting local support, in particular from young people, and a number signed up on Saturday.

By pledging their support local people demonstrate their full commitment to preserve and protect Arbroath Abbey for future generations and, at the same time, send a message to the UN that they should recognise the significance of the Declaration of Arbroath,

Campaign chairman Jim Millar said: "Paul Sykes of Dundee based Avian has designed a striking promotional stand and leaflets paid for by lottery funding we received to take our message to as wide an audience as possible in the area.

"We will visit schools, businesses and local organisations to muster support for the campaign. We will also have a highly visible presence at major local events including Sea Fest and the Seafront Spectacular."

"We believe that the Declaration of Arbroath was the most important medieval declaration of emerging democracy.

It's had a profound influence on other countries around the world and we believe it deserves a place as a World Heritage site.

"The abbey is perhaps the sleeping giant of Scottish tourism, it deserves much more attention.

“I think it's starting to come and people should come and share our and their history."

There is a long campaign ahead for the group, as only one site is accepted each year. However, it is the hope that Heritage status can be secured for 2020 which would mark the 700th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration.

Students from the University of Abertay Dundee are also playing a part in the campaign by creating the website hoped that this will go live soon.

Mr Millar added: "Success will encourage many more people to visit Arbroath and Angus, with all th and economic benefits this will bring”

There are currently four Heritage areas in Scotland – St Kilda, Edinburgh's old and new town Lanark and Neolithic Orkney.