MacDiamid's Brownsbank: A Cultural Landmark

That the Parliament commends the work of MacDiarmid’s Brownsbank; notes that MacDiarmid’s Brownsbank is a charitable organisation, which was founded in 2015 to preserve and promote the legacy of Brownsbank Cottage in the Peebleshire Hills near Biggar, South Lanarkshire; understands that Brownsbank cottage is an A-listed building, most notably remembered as the former home of the renowned poet, Christopher Murray Grieve, better known by his pen name, Hugh MacDiarmid; further understands that the charity works to restore and upgrade the cottage, to conserve its contents, to promote the works of Hugh MacDiarmid nationally and internationally, to re-establish the Brownsbank Writing Fellowship for writers in residence to work from the cottage, and to generate educational and community creative involvement, as well as promoting literary tourism; recognises that Hugh MacDiarmid stood as a significant Scottish poet, journalist, essayist and political figure, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential Scottish writers of the 20th century, making a profound and lasting impact on Scottish culture and politics; acknowledges that MacDiarmid’s Brownsbank has, to date, been supported by the Clyde Wind Farm Community and Development Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, SSE Renewables Community Investment Programme, William Grant Foundation and generous donations from the public, but that further support is urgently required; notes that distinguished past occupants of Brownsbank include the award-winning author and publisher, Matthew Fitt, and James Robertson, the inaugural Scottish Parliament Writer in Residence and author of the Booker Prize-nominated, The Testament of Gideon Mack; believes that Brownsbank cottage has made an indelible imprint on Scottish cultural heritage and that its preservation, with immediate works required, is a cultural priority; commends the board of trustees and volunteers of MacDiarmid’s Brownsbank for their tireless efforts to protect and promote this historic Scottish landmark; considers that the protection and development of Scotland's literacy heritage is vital to the nation's cultural health, identity and confidence, and notes the calls for the Scottish Government to assist with the restoration of Brownsbank Cottage to preserve what it sees as this historical and national treasure.