People of all ages are ready to celebrate Scotland's 'Father of Democracy' as part of the 2019 Thomas Muir Festival.
A range of events are taking place and local residents are being encouraged to book now to avoid disappointment.
Thomas Muir was persecuted and eventually banished in 1793 for his work to champion reform, freedom of speech and voting rights for all.
His strong links to East Dunbartonshire are marked every year by the Friends of Thomas Muir, who organise a festival in his memory – supported by East Dunbartonshire Council, local businesses and the community.
The 2019 festival will offer a range of events including:
- Tuesday 22 October
The annual Thomas Muir Symposium will be held at St Ninian's High School in Kirkintilloch, from 12.45pm to 4.30pm on the theme 'Commemorating Thomas Muir: Past, Present and Future'. Participants will include representatives of Scotland's academic community, secondary school pupils and local history societies, and there will also be musical performances. The event is free, but booking is required - e-mail dwmmartindon@live.co.uk
- Thursday 31 October
The inaugural University of Glasgow Thomas Muir Lecture on Democracy and Civil Society will be given by Professor Sir Tom Devine at Glasgow's Kelvin Hall. The title is 'Unyielding Power: Foundations of Elite Supremacy in 18th-Century Scotland'. The lecture begins at 6pm and is free. Booking essential - visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/glasgow-thomas-muir-lecture-on-democracy-tm-devine-unyielding-power-tickets-74274273351?ref=eios
- 16 November to 24 December
East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Exhibition will be held again at the Thomas Muir Coffee Shop, Huntershill Village. Artwork submitted by schools from across the authority area will be shortlisted by a panel of judges. The overall winning pupil and school will then be announced. Ages - P1 to S6.
- Friday 29 November
'Michelle McManus & The Flaming Blackhearts' will be performing at Cadder Parish Church, with support from Bishopbriggs' very own Jo Mango. Tickets are available for £14, plus booking fee - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/michelle-mcmanus-the-flaming-blackhearts-tickets-69192794511
Festival organiser Jimmy Watson said, "Excitement is building as we prepare to honour Scotland's Father of Democracy, with events which offer a great mix of art, education, entertainment and talks.
"The aim of the festival is to highlight the life and times of a Scottish hero, who fought passionately for reform, freedom of speech and voting rights for all. I hope people can come along and enjoy the varied range of attractions on offer."
Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of the Council's Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, added, "Well done to the organisers for another great programme of events. I'm pleased that the Council is continuing to support the festival and it's particularly heartening to see people of all ages involved."
For more information and to book tickets visit www.thomasmuir.co.uk or find the festival on Facebook and Twitter.
People are also being invited to enjoy the Thomas Muir Heritage Trail - an 18km heritage route linking the Campsie Fells to north Glasgow through beautiful countryside, villages and towns - visiting sites significant in the life of Thomas Muir.
A bust and specially-commissioned portrait of Thomas Muir are part of a permanent exhibition at Bishopbriggs Library and Community Hub, and the Thomas Muir Cairn stands at the top of Crowhill Road, opposite Huntershill House.
Further afield, he's celebrated in the Museum of Australian Democracy and is a citizen of France.
- Thomas Muir was born on 24 August 1765 and his passionate campaigning was instrumental in sowing the seeds that brought about jury reform and the universal right to vote. It also inspired the formation of a whole raft of reform societies which helped shape Scotland.
- There is a 90-foot monument to Muir and the Scottish Political Martyrs at Caltonhill, Edinburgh, and a 34-foot monument at Nunhead Cemetery, London.
- Muir inspired Robert Burns to write 'Scots Wha Hae'
- For more information, visit www.thomasmuir.co.uk
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