Hansard

I thank my friend David Torrance, as convener of the Scottish Showmen’s Guild cross-party group, for bringing this important debate to the chamber. I associate myself with his comments regarding his sentiments towards, and recognition of, the Showmen’s Guild.

I am a very proud member of the Scottish Showmen’s Guild CPG. I say hello to my friends in the gallery and to the representatives from across Europe from the European Showmen’s Union. I offer my sincere apologies and, indeed, regret that I cannot join you this evening due to unforeseen circumstances. Having attended a reception for the 130th anniversary of the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain and Northern Ireland under the leadership of my colleague Richard Lyle, I know what a great celebration and party I am missing, but I will be with you all in spirit.

On that evening in 2020, I was honoured to receive honorary membership of the Scottish Showmen’s Guild—Deputy Presiding Officer, I declare that interest for the record. It has been my pleasure to work with the Showmen’s Guild and with Alex James Colquhoun on heritage funding and his ambitions to support the mental health of the guild’s members, particularly following the effects and impact of Covid, which David Torrance outlined.

Members on all sides of the chamber are, no doubt, familiar with my interest in culture and tradition and my love of our Scots language and music. I am able to embrace that love through my role as convener of the Parliament’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee. We know that Brexit has impacted on Scotland’s long-standing links with Europe, and that is why it is so important that we embrace every opportunity to reach out in friendship, trade and exchange to our counterparts across Europe. We know that tradition and heritage can be fragile and need our active protection.

The European Showmen’s Union is a European organisation that advocates for the fairground industry and its workers. It is a member of the European federation for the education of children of boatmen, showmen, circus families and professional travellers. It supports many calls to reduce bureaucracy and support fairground businesses. It advocates in the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of Europe. It looks for financial support for small and medium-sized fairground businesses, and it promotes co-operation between member countries and creates a common voice for the fairground industry. It promotes friendly co-operation and international understanding, and it safeguards the industry in promoting all European fairgrounds. We know how seriously the European Union takes culture and intangible cultural heritage.

What celebration of a town’s heritage—holidays, dance, music and language—is not supported by the showmen and showwomen of Europe? They are key to our traditional local fairs and celebrations, and they bring colour and joy to children and adults alike. Their heritage is our heritage—the heritage of Europe—and we must continue to value, support and celebrate their contributions.

To our guests in the public gallery, I say that I am so sorry that I cannot be with you today, but in two years we might join you for your next congress. For now, welcome, enjoy our hospitality and Edinburgh, and haste ye back.