Meeting of the Parliament 21 January 2014
As a member of the City of Edinburgh Council (Leith Links and Surplus Fire Fund) Bill Committee, I am pleased to contribute briefly to the debate, which deals with an issue that I am sure is of importance to the local community.
In my role as a member of the committee, I have gained a valuable insight into an important and historical local issue that necessitates full consultation prior to any recommendation being made. I feel that the debate has illustrated the vital role that Leith Links has played in the life of the local community, and I believe that everyone who has an interest in the area should be consulted before any decision is made. That is why I have very much enjoyed being a member of the committee and, in particular, the opportunity that it has given me to visit what, for local residents, is an important site.
I am happy to support the installation of the John Rattray statue, especially as the local community has been involved in a consultation process on issues such as the potential effects on the local area of tourism as a result of people visiting the site of the statue, once it has been installed. I am particularly pleased to note that the proposed artwork highlights the valuable role that public consultation has played in this Leith-based initiative. [Interruption.]