Call for Robert Cunninghame Graham to be honoured Wed, 20/06/2012 - 17:05 Rob Gibson will call for Scottish politician, writer and adventurer Robert Cunninghame Graham to be honoured by having one of his quotes etched on the wall of the Scottish Parliament. In his member’s debate, supported by senior Labour politician Hugh Henry, Mr Gibson will say the noted parliamentarian should be recognised with celebrations of his life and works on the 160th anniversary of his birth. Mr Gibson, SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said: “Robert Cunninghame Graham’s impact on life in Scotland today is not widely recognised, which is why I am pleased my member’s debate has received cross-party support. “His life is an inspiration for us – as noted on a memorial he was a famous author, traveller and horseman, patriotic Scot and citizen of the world. “He played a pivotal role in founding the Scottish Labour Party with Keir Hardie in 1888 and the National Party of Scotland in 1928. “Before that he spent time cattle and horse trading, while absorbing the atmosphere and nature of frontier in the young republics of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil – hence the sobriquet Don Roberto. “He sympathised with the marginalised, the down-trodden and victims of progress and became their political champion. “But it was the death of his father in 1883 that brought him back to the UK and sent him into active politics. “His wit, campaigns and outspoken style in Westminster championed the miners, the dock workers and the chain makers of Cradley Heath. “He was also a writer and his trenchant and humane writings inspired many in his wide circle of literary friends. “These are only a handful of reasons why we should recognise Don Roberto and I hope we can do this by etching one of his quotes on the wall outside. “This year is the 160th anniversary of his birth so there is no better time than now to recognise the life and works of Don Roberto.”
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 07:14:09 +0000
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