Celebrating 100 Years of George Mackay Brown

That the Parliament celebrates the 100th anniversary of George Mackay Brown's birth on 17 October 2021; notes that the Orkney-born and inspired writer is recognised as one of Scotland's great poets of the 20th century; understands that a programme of local and online events, organised by the George Mackay Brown Fellowship, have been underway this year leading up to the centenary, which has attracted international attention; recognises that the Orkney Library and Archive's project, A hat for George!, has received 111 knitted hats of all colours and styles, which are being exhibited to the public online and in the library before being auctioned for a local charity; highlights that BBC Radio Orkney's search, led by Huw Williams, for as many of the original copies of George Mackay Brown's first collection of works, The Storm and Other Poems, which were printed in 1954, has uncovered around 60 of a predicted 250 original copies; acknowledges that Scotland's Makar, Kathleen Jamie, has recently compiled and published a new selection of his poetry, and commends the George Mackay Brown Fellowship, formed in 2006 to promote awareness of Orkney writers and their work and to encourage new writing, for its efforts to commemorate the centenary and keep alive George Mackay Brown's legacy for future generations.