Thomas Muir

“I have devoted myself to the cause of the people.

It is a good cause… It shall ultimately prevail…

It shall finally triumph”

Thomas Muir (Aug 1793)

The text of MSP Dvid Whittons press release and motion reads...David Whitton MSP

Press Release

Thursday 4 November 2010

David Whitton MSP welcomes Thomas Muir Heritage Trail

Strathkelvin & Bearsden MSP David Whitton this week welcomed the proposals for a heritage trail in East Dunbartonshire that highlights the life of Thomas Muir.

The proposed new eleven-mile route uses existing paths suitable for families, walkers and cyclists. A map highlighting Muir's connections and interesting features along the way is planned.

Thomas Muir was a political reformer based in Huntershill, Bishopbriggs.

The 18th Century advocate was instrumental in encouraging the establishment of parliamentary reform societies in Scotland, leaving a lasting legacy of democracy.

His life and work are now being recognised with the establishment of a heritage trail.

Thomas Muir promoted universal suffrage, establishing reform societies in Scotland, promoting votes for all. In 1792 a "Convention of the Delegates of the Scottish friends of the People" was held in Edinburgh calling on the government for parliamentary reform.

David Whitton MSP said:

" When I heard about the proposals for the heritage trail dedicated to Thomas Muir, my first reaction was about time.

"This is a great place to live and work, having the new heritage trail will help boost tourism in the area and bring more locals out into the countryside.

Jimmy Watson, spokesman for the Friends of Thomas Muir said:

"My hope is that we'll raise awareness of this almost forgotten hero and at the same time promote outdoor activities, education, local history and tourism."

"The gateway to the great outdoors. The trail starts at Glasgow's north boundary and passes through some of East Dunbartonshire's most beautiful countryside and meanders alongside the Forth and Clyde Canal, the Glazert Water and the River Kelvin."

The Thomas Muir Trail is due to open in May 2011, launching at the Thomas Muir Festival. The trail can be walked or cycled in sections and has links to public transport.

END

Motion submitted to Scottish parliament by David Whitton MSP

Date of Lodging: 2 November 2010

Short Title: Thomas Muir Heritage Trail

S3M-07313 David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab): That the Parliament welcomes the proposed new 11-mile heritage trail in East Dunbartonshire, which highlights buildings and features that have a connection to the political reformer considered the founding father of Scottish democracy, Thomas Muir; notes that the trail begins at Clachan of Campsie, traversing through Lennoxtown, Kirkintilloch and other places of importance to Muir before ending at his home at Huntershill House in Bishopbriggs, and hopes that this heritage trail will raise awareness of what it considers this almost forgotten hero and, at the same time, promote outdoor activities, education, local history and tourism.