Hansard

I thank my colleagues for supporting the motion to allow the debate to take place, and I thank everyone who is contributing to the debate this evening.

Before I begin, I welcome to the Scottish Parliament our distinguished guests: the newly elected president of the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain, Keith Carroll; the European Showmen’s Union president, Albert Ritter; the junior vice-president of the Showmen’s Guild and vice-president of the European Showmen’s Union, Alex James Colquhoun; the general secretary of the ESU, Steve Severeyns; and the general secretary of the Showmen’s Guild, Joe Mercer. I offer a very warm welcome to you all, and to all the national representatives of the European countries who are attending tonight. I am delighted to welcome you to Scotland as you gather here for the European Showmen’s Union congress 2025.

The congress is an important event for those in the fairground and amusement park industry, offering a space for learning, discussing issues and strengthening connections across Europe. It brings together some of the most talented, hard-working and creative people and gives a voice to showmen at a European level.

Scotland is a country that understands the power of entertainment and community. From the ancient gatherings around fires to our music and our cultural celebration, the Scots have always cherished the shared experiences that bring people together. Showpeople are the custodians of that rich cultural tradition, innovators who have adapted to changing times and contributors to Scotland’s vibrant social fabric. The travelling fairs and shows that they represent are woven into the fabric of Scottish and European culture. Their work carries forward centuries-old traditions while adapting to the modern era and the changing tastes of audiences.

In Scotland, as in the rest of Europe, the shows have brought joy to villages, towns and cities, which have embraced them as part of a collective heritage. As a proud Langtonian, I have a strong affinity with the shows and the showpeople. The links market in my home town of Kirkcaldy is not only Europe’s longest street fair but the oldest in Scotland, with a history that dates back over 700 years. Originally a farmers and traders market, the links market has evolved over the centuries from amusements such as bare-knuckle fighting and rollercoasters built on platforms of old beer and lemonade crates, with showmen running cables directly into local residents’ homes and paying £1 a week for the privilege, to the wide range of fairground rides, food stalls and games that we see today. One thing has remained constant throughout this time: the market’s attraction and appeal to both locals and tourists.

When I was a boy, there was no more exciting time for me than when the trucks rolled into town, pulled on to the esplanade and started to get ready for the opening. The atmosphere and the sounds and smells instilled in me an immediate excitement and filled me with anticipation for the fun that lay ahead. Every year, for that one week in April, the esplanade became the most magical place on earth. The school bell could not ring soon enough for us. Every single day, my friends and I would race home and then race straight back out the door to soak it all in and experience the thrills once again. A fair bit of skipping school may also have taken place, but obviously I did not do that. For me, the links market perfectly showcases the enduring popularity of fairs and the unique skills and dedication of our showpeople. As I got older and had a family of my own, I saw the exact same magic and excitement reflected in my family’s eyes.

In the Kirkcaldy constituency, we also have the Burntisland shows, which arrive in May and stay until mid-August every year. Dating back to the 1500s, the shows are another much-anticipated and much-loved fixture in Fife’s calendar. They are held on Burntisland links, just yards away from the town’s award-winning beach, making them the perfect destination for a family fun day out.

The history of the European Showmen’s Union is a story of dedication, unity and pride. For centuries, travelling showmen have captivated audiences, young and old alike, with feats of daring, mechanical marvels and the joy of performance. From the medieval fairs that dotted Europe’s countryside to the grand exhibitions of the 19th and 20th centuries, showmen have long been innovators and pioneers. In the late 19th century, as industrialisation transformed Europe, travelling showmen began to organise themselves to protect their way of life and ensure the endurance of their art. It was at that time that the European Showmen’s Union was born out of a shared commitment to preserving the traditions of travelling entertainment while adapting to the demands of a rapidly changing world. It became a voice for showmen across borders, offering support, representation and advocacy.

The union’s history is filled with inspiring examples of resilience. Through wars, economic hardships and technological revolutions, showmen have remained steadfast in their mission to bring joy to people of all ages and backgrounds. When times have been tough, the community has stood together, demonstrating remarkable solidarity. The most recent example of that was during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the fairground industries faced unprecedented challenges and showmen from across Europe had to find innovative ways to sustain their businesses and communities in the toughest of times and circumstances. In 2020 alone, at least 522 established fairs and around 150 other events in Scotland were cancelled. That unprecedented halt not only affected the livelihoods of showmen but disrupted cultural traditions and community cohesion.

In 2011, the Scottish Showmen’s Guild cross-party group was established in Parliament to address the challenges faced by showpeople. Since then, it has worked hard to provide a forum for opinion and information sharing about the guild, and it has facilitated discussions on many issues with Government officials, ministers and other agencies. I currently convene the group, and I am very proud to do so.

In Scotland, our fairgrounds and travelling shows have created countless opportunities for employment and have become an integral part of our tourism sector. Their presence enriches not only our cultural life but our economic vitality. Unfortunately, however, a great number of challenges still exist for travelling showpeople. On a personal level, that can include limited access to appropriate places in which to live, limited access to services and facilities, poorer health outcomes, poorer educational achievement, and even abuse and discrimination.

At an industry level, issues include low-emission zone exemptions and regulatory and licensing challenges. The work of the cross-party group highlights the often inconsistent approach and practices of local authorities. As a consequence, work is now under way between the Showmen’s Guild, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Scottish Government to showcase best practice, aiming to achieve a fairer and more consistent approach to funfair licensing. I mention that not only because it is a valuable piece of work that I believe will make a considerable difference to the lives of showpeople, but because the approach in Fife has been hailed as best practice. The regulatory team in Fife Council, which is headed by the fabulous Gillian Love, has long been recognised by the Showmen’s Guild as a team of people who just get it and are always a pleasure to work alongside. I was delighted for Gillian and her team when that hard work was recognised with an award from the guild at its annual luncheon.

At present, we have 32 local authorities charging various amounts for licences. A freedom of information request that was submitted by the cross-party group in 2023 found that the cost of licences ranged from £21 to quite literally thousands of pounds. The length of time to process applications also varies, which often leaves showpeople very anxious and in a frustrating position. That simply cannot continue, and I, along with my fellow CPG members, will continue to do everything in our power to bring about positive change.

I say to members that the next time they hear the music of a carousel or see the twinkling lights of a fairground, they should take a moment to think about the history behind it—the creativity, determination and hard work that have gone on for centuries, and which continue to go on, to create that magic. The story of showpeople is one of creativity, perseverance and passion—it is a story that deserves our admiration and respect.

Before I finish, I express my deepest gratitude to all the showpeople for the work that they do. Their dedication, creativity and passion enrich our lives in ways that words cannot fully capture. They remind us of the joy that can be found in simple pleasures, the wonder that comes from shared experiences and the importance of preserving tradition while embracing change.

To the European Showmen’s Union, I say thank you for choosing Scotland as the host for your 2025 congress. We are honoured to have the opportunity to celebrate your achievements, learn from your experiences and work together to ensure a bright future for your industry. I hope that, during your time here, you will feel the warmth of Scottish hospitality, enjoy our rich culture and history and leave with lasting memories of your visit. [Applause.]