People of all ages and from all backgrounds walked the walk and talked the talk recently in memory of one of Scotland's greatest sons.
More than 50 walkers recently completed part of the Thomas Muir Heritage Trail - raising over £300 for Marie Curie in the process.
The sponsored walk started at 9am on a brisk Sunday morning (2 October), but participants were rewarded for their early rise and efforts as it turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day.
It was part of the 2016 Thomas Muir Festival - celebrating the life and times of the democratic champion, who was persecuted and banished in 1793 for his work campaigning for reform, freedom of speech and voting rights for all.
The festival's prestigious Local History Symposium was also held recently at Bishopbriggs Academy - featuring a fascinating mix of talks on the theme 'Scottish and Irish Radicals'.
East Dunbartonshire Provost Una Walker and the Consul General of Ireland to Scotland - Mark Hanniffy - jointly opened the event and welcomed those attending.
Principal speakers included Professor Gerard Carruthers (University of Glasgow), Dr Carol Baraniuk (University of Glasgow) and Brian Skillen (local historian).
Pupils from Bishopbriggs Academy provided musical entertainment and a talk on ‘The Declaration of Arbroath, 1320'.
Jimmy Watson, Chair of the Friends of Thomas Muir, said, "Well done to everyone who came along and walked part of the Thomas Muir Trail to raise funds for an excellent cause.
"It was a tremendous turn-out - featuring families and individuals of all ages - and a fitting tribute to a Scottish hero.
"I am particularly pleased that this year's symposium focused on the shared history between Scotland and Ireland. It was a great honour to have the Mark Hanniffy and Provost Walker attend and say a few words. Next year we aim to broaden this out to include the ‘English radical movement’."
Known as the 'Father of Scottish Democracy', Muir is celebrated every year at events organised by the Friends of Thomas Muir - supported by East Dunbartonshire Council.
Provost Una Walker said, "The symposium was an excellent occasion and I was delighted to open proceedings with the Consul General of Ireland to Scotland, Mark Hanniffy.
"The Bishopbriggs Academy pupils did their school proud and provided wonderful music, as well as a fascinating talk."
The Friends of Thomas Muir have also announced details for an exciting new book - ‘Thomas Muir of Huntershill: Essays for the Twenty First Century’. Contributors include Professor Sir Tom Devine and former First Minister Alex Salmond.
Mr Watson said, "Special subscriber editions are available - priced at £35 - with the expectation that the limited-edition hardback version will become a collectible and sought-after book. The deadline to subscribe is 15 November."
Visit www.thomasmuir.co.uk to find out more - including details of the East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Exhibition (12-26 November).
Forthcoming highlights of the 2016 Thomas Muir Festival include:
- 12th to 26th Nov: East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Exhibition at the Thomas Muir Coffee Shop. Artwork submitted by schools from across EDC will be shortlisted by a panel of judges. Overall winning pupil and school will be announced. Ages - P1 to S6.
- 25th Nov: ‘Dougie MacLean in Concert’. Cadder Parish Church is to host this year’s concert in what is a unique, intimate venue with superb acoustics. Local signer songwriter Katee Kross will be supporting. Tickets are priced at £20.
- 15th Dec: ‘Thomas Muir of Huntershill: Essays for the 21st Century’. Launch event for a book of essays that brings together some of Scotland’s leading academics and local historians who have been asked to make contributions. Prof Sir Tom Devine will be speaking at the launch event which will be held at the University of Glasgow.
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