Motion · S5M-21576 · 27 Apr 2020

Edwin Morgan, a Centenary Celebration

Lodged by Sandra White Standard Motion 19 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes the centenary of Glasgow’s first Poet Laureate and Scotland’s first Makar, Edwin Morgan, who was born in Glasgow on 27 April 1920; acknowledges his incredible body of work and contribution to the creative arts, which has encouraged and motivated generations of creative artists, including the makars, Liz Lochhead, Carol-Ann Duffy and Jackie Kay; notes Edwin’s undoubted love of Scotland, which emanates throughout his work, such as Sonnets from Scotland, and, in particular, for his hometown, where he worked at the University of Glasgow teaching literature and where he penned many poems illustrating the city, including The Starlings of George Square and A City; acknowledges Edwin's work, Open The Doors, which he wrote to celebrate the opening of the new Parliament building in 2004, and has the lines, "We give you this great building, don’t let your work and hope be other than great, when you enter and begin. So now begin. Open the doors and begin”; understands that centenary celebrations will take place to mark Edwin’s birth, albeit virtually; encourages everyone to celebrate his life’s work, and thanks him for leaving such a wonderful legacy.

Supporters (19)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.