First Minister,Georrge Parkinson,Jill McAlpine, BruceOgilvie, Jim Singer |
SNP Leader and Scotland´s First Minister Alex Salmond paid a visit to Aboyne, Aberdeenshire taking time out of his busy schedule to raise Scotland’s Flag at the village’s Huntly Arms Hotel in connection with Home Coming 2009.
The Huntly Arms Hotel gladly accepted the donation of 3 Saltires for the 3 redundant flag poles. These were donated by Scottish cultural, heritage and history group Crann Tara and accepted by Jill McAlpine, General Manager of the hotel. The event, as well as being in connection with the Homecoming 2009, was also in correspondence with the current Saltire Campaign instigated by SNP election candidate, George Parkinson. This is a campaign in opposition to Aberdeenshire Council’s decision not to fly the Saltire during the Homecoming Year in celebration of Scotland’s most famous bard Robert Burns.
The First Minister arrived at the hotel earlier than expected, but being a beautiful spring day he was warmly greeted by a Saltire waving crowd who were lucky enough to arrive early.
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After the raising of the Saltire the First Minister took the time to have his picture taken with all the various people who wanted to have one with him, he was neither phased or annoyed by the length of time this took, making sure everyone had got what they wanted. Although he had been there for at least an hour and a half it seemed that time had passed so quickly and unfortunately the First Minister had to depart.
After light refreshments and introductions, Mr Salmond insisted that By-election candidate George Parkinson give a brief speech about both the Saltire and By-election campaigns, which he duly did to the on looking crowd. Mr Salmond himself gave a short speech with regards to the Saltire and expressed his wishes to George for the forth coming By-election.
With no further a do, the First Minister with the help of pupil Ruary McLennan raised the Saltire, with Jill McAlpine, George Parkinson and Crann Tara members Bruce Ogilvie and Jim Singer. Additional councilors and members of the SNP, as well as members Crann Tara and the public looked on, all cheering when the Saltire reached the top of the flag pole.
After the raising of the Saltire the First Minister took the time to have his picture taken with all the various people who wanted to have one with him, he was neither phased or annoyed by the length of time this took, making sure everyone had got what they wanted. Although he had been there for at least an hour and a half it seemed that time had passed so quickly and unfortunately the First Minister had to depart.
Being from the Aboyne area I was gald to hear the the locals present warmed to the First Minister by his down to earth approach and attitude and it is sure to be a topic of conversation in Aboyne for some time to come.
This event in Aboyne although attended by the SNP leader and First Minister Mr Alex Salmond and SNP by election candidate George Parkinson, both SNP Parliamentary candidate Dennis Robertson and Councillor Linda Clark this was a non political issue, as the Saltire or Saint Andrew’s Cross is not a political symbol, but one which represents our culture, history and heritage.
It is in fact hard to believe that today in the 21st century in Scotland we would have to battle to save our National Flag when it should be a god given right. Centuries have passed since the battles of Stirling Brig, Bannockburn and Culloden, but yet Scotland finds itself drawn into yet another battle, created by an uncompromising council administration.
It is in fact hard to believe that today in the 21st centurt in Scotland we would have to battle to save our National Flag when it should be a god given right. Centuries have passed since the battles of Stirling Brig, Bannockburn and Culloden, but yet Scotland finds itself drawn into yet another battle, created by an uncompromising council administration.
The Saltire is historic in its own right becoming the icon of Scotland ever since the Battle of Athelstaneford in 832 AD when the Scots fought and defeated the Angles at Athelstaneford named so after the English King Aethelstan who retreated over the nearby river there. Ever since the Battle at Athelstaneford in 832AD the Cross of Saint Andrew, or the Saltire has been recognised as Scotland’s national flag world wide, so why would anyone not want to fly it with pride? as it has been such an icon for generations of Scots worldwide. It is the oldest continuously used sovereign flag in the world, having been in use since 832AD
Questions have to be raised why a council administration would not want to fly such a national icon?, particularly during this the Homecoming year. To take the decision not to fly our nation’s flag is basically doing a dishonor to generations of Scots who have fought and died under the national symbol and eroding into a part of Scotland’s history, culture and heritage.
The campaign to make the council administration change their mind is a modern day battle, a battle perhaps not fought with broadsword or claymore, but like Bannockburn it is a battle that can not afford to be lost, as it would open the gate way for other councils to do the same. This is not a political issue it is our culture, our heritage and our history, if there is one thing that rallies Scots together it is the Saltire, from the Tartan Army to the Field of Battle. Join the campaign help preserve it. The petition can be found at www.george-parkinson.co.uk
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Video by Carole & Andy MacPherson |
Crann Tara would like to thank the following for supporting the day and making it possible.
First Minister Alex Salmond for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Aboyne and participate in the ceremony, it was an honor and a privilege.
George Parkinson SNP by election candidate.
Dennis Robertson SNP Parliamentary Candidate
Linda Clark SNP Councillor
As well as other members of the SNP party.
Members of the public from Aboyne
Last but not least Jill McAlpine General Manager of the Huntly Arms Hotel without whose support and consent in the first place the event would never have taken place.
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