Fw: St Andrew's Day Petition

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: beth

To: beth@scottishstorytellingcentre.com

Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 3:59 PM

Subject: St Andrew's Day Petition

Dear all 

 Thank you for supporting the St Andrews Day petition to Parliament on the teaching of Scottish literature, history and languages. By the day we had 1,500 supporters and the initiative received wide publicity.

Next Step

Equally importantly I am advised that we have a very good chance of moving the issue from a petition to formal investigation by Parliament. This begins with a hearing by the Petitions Committee on the morning of Wednesday 18^th January 2006. The meeting begins at 10.00am and is open to the public (advanced booking advised).

What you can do

In the meantime an edited version of the wording has gone on to the Scottish Parliament's web-site www.scottish.parliament.uk (there is a link from the Home Page to E-petitions). Go to "Petition by Dr Donald Smith, on behalf of the Literature Forum for Scotland, calling for the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Executive to urgently review the study of Scottish history, literature and languages at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, to ensure that all citizens of Scotland have the opportunity to understand these key aspects of their own society and culture." 

As an individual you can re-iterate your support by registering your name and address and encouraging others to do so up to 11^th January 2006.

We are doing a master list of those who have expressed support so far as a paper submission but that does not exclude you from directly registering on this next Parliamentary phase which reflects concern on the part of the general public. You can also participate in a discussion forum on the site.

As an organisation or in an official capacity you can also write directly to Dr Jim Johnston, Clerk, Public Petitions Committee, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP

These letters are reported to the Committee as a further indication of support. His Email is james.johnston@scottish.parliament.uk

Strategy

My plea is that we maintain a sustained campaign through the parliamentary process rather than let the issue subside. That is the only way to actually achieve official change. It also has the benefit of engaging the Scottish public.

With thanks

Dr Donald Smith, Chair

The Literature Forum for Scotland