AN ONLINE event is next week set to mark 30 years since A Day for Scotland.
Held at Fallen Inch Field in the shadow of Stirling Castle, the huge outdoor family friendly festival went ahead three decades ago, combining music, politics, theatre and comedy under the theme of national pride.
Organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress and Stirling District Council, headliners at the time included Runrig, Hue & Cry, Deacon Blue, The Shamen as well as folk luminaries Dick Gaughan and Hamish Henderson.
Next week, the Stirling University’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the Scottish Political Archive are hosting an online event to commemorate the festival and its important role in Scottish political history.
Speakers at the event on Tuesday, July 14, will include festival organiser Lisa Whytock, musician Pat Kane from Hue and Cry, cultural critic and journalist Stewart Smith and Dr Peter Lynch from the Scottish Political Archive.
Dr Lynch said: “Billed as ‘a Festival for Our Future’, A Day for Scotland was a key event not only for Stirling, but in linking popular culture and politics in the campaign for a Scottish Parliament.
“Organised by the STUC and Stirling District Council, flyers promised ‘a positive celebration of Scottish life — which says we must decide our future — no-one else!’.
“The political overtones were unmissable and raised a stir.
“Not least with the local MP, Michael Forsyth, a Scottish Office minister in the Thatcher government.
“Controversy and all, the event was widely viewed as a major success.”
Event organisers hope people will be inspired to share their own memories and photos from the day.
Sarah Bromage, archivist, said: “Our A Day for Scotland collection includes photographs, leaflets, backstage passes and even a festival hoodie.
“We are really looking forward to sharing these and to hearing people’s memories of the day; as well as hopefully collecting more photographs and other artefacts for the archive.
“You can send us your memories at scottishpoliticalarchive@stir.ac.uk”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here