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Motion · S6M-08060 · 28 Feb 2023

150th Anniversary of the Nicolson Institute

Lodged by Dr Alasdair Allan Standard Motion 30 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament congratulates the Nicolson Institute, in Stornoway, on celebrating its 150th anniversary on the week commencing 27 February 2023; understands that the Nicolson Institute is one of the oldest and most distinguished educational institutions in Scotland, which has been providing high-quality education to its students since it was founded in February 1873; further understands that the school's origins trace back to a boiler explosion onboard a ship in Shanghai in which 33-year-old Alexander Morrison Nicolson was tragically killed, and £2,000 was subsequently used from his will to establish a school in Stornoway "for the education and rearing of destitute children, in the hope that I may be the indirect means of rendering some assistance to the children of some of my oldest acquaintances”; notes that the school was renamed the Nicolson Institute by a decree issued by the Court of Session in 1901, which recognised the contributions of Alexander Morrison Nicolson, and his four brothers, towards the school and its establishment; further notes that BBC Alba has broadcast a programme examining the founding of the school and the Nicolson brothers’ links to the Opium Wars in China and the cotton plantations of the United States; considers it appropriate to consider how this legacy should be marked today; welcomes this significant milestone for the school; recognises the hard work and dedication of its staff, students, and alumni in maintaining its high standards of education and fostering a spirit of community and learning, and wishes the school continued success in providing excellent educational opportunities to future generations of students on the Isle of Lewis.

Supporters (30)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.