Hansard

I congratulate David Torrance on securing this members’ business debate, and I recognise his long-standing interest in the subject as the convener of the Scottish Showmen’s Guild cross-party group. I join members in welcoming the delegates from the European Showmen’s Union who are attending the debate and the reception today.

The European Showmen’s Union was formed in 1954 and recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, but fairgrounds and showpeople have been part of European history for far longer. In December, Belgian and French fairground culture was designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as intangible cultural heritage, in recognition of the enduring tradition of funfairs and the important role that they play in our culture and economy. I welcome the European Showmen’s Union choosing to hold its congress in the United Kingdom for the first time—specifically in Edinburgh, a city that has enjoyed fairgrounds for generations. Members may share memories of going to fairgrounds in the Meadows or Leith Links and enjoying rides and games with friends or family. More recently, they may have seen the star flyer at Edinburgh’s winter wonderland, which has become a fixture of the skyline at Christmas and scares thousands of tourists.

Scotland’s love of fairgrounds and the work of showpeople will be showcased in an upcoming BBC Scotland programme, “Showpeople: Licensed to Thrill”, which will document the unique lifestyle of showpeople and the challenges that they face to entertain the public. Many of those challenges will, I am sure, be discussed during the upcoming congress; they include repairing rides, safety and the impact of bad weather.

The culture of showpeople has endured for generations, and some families are able to trace their heritage in the industry back over hundreds of years. In recent years, showpeople across Europe have shown great resilience, whether during Covid, when restrictions either closed or greatly limited fairgrounds, or more recently, in the face of rising costs and inflation. Council licensing in Scotland also remains a challenge, as charges are inconsistent and vary hugely, which means that fairs are not as viable in certain areas. I understand that David Torrance has raised that issue previously. Nevertheless, regardless of those challenges, showpeople have continued to entertain us and to bring joy to children and families.

I again welcome the European Showmen’s Union congress to Edinburgh. The debate underlines the history of showpeople and fairgrounds and the cultural value that we place on them. I understand that the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain is seeking UNESCO recognition as representing intangible cultural heritage. I hope that it is successful in its campaign, and I wish everyone who is attending the congress a productive and pleasant time.