This year's events to celebrate Scotland's 'father of democracy' have been announced.
The Thomas Muir Festival will once again train the spotlight on one of Scotland's greatest sons - who was persecuted and eventually banished in 1793 for his work to champion reform, freedom of speech and voting rights for all.
The inspirational figure's strong links to East Dunbartonshire are celebrated every year by the Friends of Thomas Muir, who organise a festival in his memory - supported by East Dunbartonshire Council.
Now in its seventh year, the 2017 Thomas Muir Festival will include events such as:
- 16th Sept: Trails & Tales, ‘Parent & Child Lino Printing Workshop’ at the Barony Chambers, Kirkintilloch. Kids (age 10+) and parents will learn how to carve designs into soft lino block using specialist tools, which will then be printed onto paper. This is a family workshop where parents participate with their child.
- 8th November: Kirkintilloch will host the Thomas Muir Symposium. The theme this year is 'Scottish and English Radicals', involving speakers from the academic community, secondary school pupils and members of local history societies. Afternoon includes a talk and music by pupils.
- 18th Nov to 24th Dec: East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Exhibition at the Thomas Muir Coffee Shop. Artwork submitted by schools from across East Dunbartonshire will be shortlisted by a panel of judges. The overall winning pupil and school will be announced. Ages - P1 to S6.
- 24th Nov: ‘Karen Matheson in Concert’. Cadder Parish Church will host this year’s concert - featuring the lead singer of Capercaillie - in what is a unique, intimate venue with superb acoustics. Stevie Lawrence and Fiona Cuthill will be supporting. Tickets are priced at £18.
Festival organiser Jimmy Watson said, "We’re delighted to announce this year's festival events - which combine art, education, entertainment and talks.
"The festival offers an eclectic mix - shining light on the life and times of a true Scottish hero.
"We’re particularly delighted to be able to announce that famed Scottish international singer/songwriter Karen Matheson of Capercaillie will be coming to Bishopbriggs.
"The Thomas Muir 250 window at Cadder Church - where Thomas Muir was an elder - will make a fabulous backdrop. We also have some fantastic news that we plan announcing at this year’s symposium."
Councillor Jim Gibbons, Convener of East Dunbartonshire Council’s Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, said, "The Council is proud to continue supporting the festival as it enters its seventh year.
"It's great that East Dunbartonshire schools and young people are once again involved in celebrating Thomas Muir through a number of interesting and innovative events."
For more information visit www.thomasmuir.co.uk or find the festival on Facebook and Twitter.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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