Centenary of John MacLean’s Passing

That the Parliament recognises the passing of 100 years since the death of John MacLean on 30 November 1923; further recognises MacLean as an ordinary Scot who became a socialist icon; acknowledges the role that MacLean played in Glasgow during the Red Clydeside era; further acknowledges his role in helping to organise the 1915 rent strikes in Glasgow, which led the way to municipal housing, and his role in organising Clydeside’s workers across engineering and shipbuilding; understands that up to 20,000 people attended his funeral march and that, 100 years on, MacLean remains an important figure to many Glaswegians and folk all over Scotland; acknowledges the significant contribution that he has made to the rich social and political legacy of Glasgow and Scotland, which it considers should be recognised and celebrated; praises the organisers of a song-writing competition being held at Pollokshaws Burgh Hall, and the organisers of Celtic Connections, which will host Red Clydeside: John MacLean Centenary Concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in January 2024, to deliver an evening of music in tribute to a man loved by the people of Glasgow and feared by those in power; recognises the work of people such as Nan Milton (nee MacLean), who helped keep the memory of her father alive, and other contemporary figures such as Donald Anderson, who, with others in the John MacLean Society, remains determined to erect a statue of MacLean as a lasting memorial; acknowledges MacLean’s vision in calling for an independent Scotland, and considers that such calls have only grown and that Scottish independence is increasingly viewed by many as essential to delivering a socially just and outward looking Scotland.