18.02.2013
An exhibition dedicated to showing how people have engaged with the Scottish Parliament to achieve change moves to Coatbridge College on Monday 25 February.
‘Moving Stories’ combines photographic portraits and audio-visual material to chart the experiences of ten people who - through campaigning and engaging with the Scottish Parliament - have made a difference in a devolved Scotland.
Welcoming the exhibition to Coatbridge, Deputy Presiding Officer Elaine Smith MSP said:
“More than 200,000 people have already seen this exhibition as it has travelled across Scotland. I am delighted it has now arrived at Coatbridge College as it offers an important opportunity for the Scottish Parliament to connect with the drive, inspiration and ambition of all those attending our colleges.
“There are many ways to get involved with the Parliament, whether it be through campaigning, submitting a petition or connecting with MSPs at a member-sponsored event or exhibition, and ‘Moving Stories’ aims to bring some of these methods to life.”
Principal of Coatbridge College, John Doyle said:
“We are delighted to support the Scottish Parliament in its aim to reach and inspire people through the ‘Moving Stories’ exhibition.
“We recognise the important role we play in the lives of young people and through our partnership with the Scottish Parliament, we strive to make a positive difference to their future.
“Moving Stories’ showcases inspiring stories from people across the country; I would urge the local community to take the opportunity to get involved. Our newly refurbished estate is the ideal setting for this inspiring exhibition and is open to all.”
The exhibition will remain on display at the Coatbridge College’s campus until Thursday 4 April 2013. It is open from 8.30-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Media Launch
Media are invited to attend the launch of Moving Stories at Coatbridge College at 11am on Monday 25 February where Elaine Smith MSP will be available for interview. Any media wishing free photographs of the event should contact the Scottish Parliament photographer Andrew Cowan on 0131 348 5878.
Background
The ten people featured in the exhibition are:
• Bob Reid, South of Scotland, submitted a petition to establish Off-Road Motorbike Facilities.
“I am a great believer that there is a key to every young person, no matter what their problems are… give them a new challenge, something they can relate to, something they can belong to.”
• Tina McGeever, Highlands and Islands, submitted an e petition on ability to access cancer drugs on NHS.
“We decided that we were going to start a campaign, although the word campaign didn’t really come into it at the time. Michael wrote a letter and I fired it off to everyone on my email and asked them to send it to their MSPs, so that was the start.”
• Walter Baxter, North East Scotland, organised a petition objecting to the merging of specialist care units for people suffering a brain haemorrhage.
“Having a brain injury is a very difficult scenario to go through, not only for yourself, but for the people who are looking after you. There is very little aftercare for people with brain injuries.”
• John Muir, West of Scotland, submitted a petition on tackling knife crime following the death of his son.
“I think that the public in Greenock and surrounding areas did recognise that the situation that Damian found himself in could have been their son or their daughter…something’s got to change.”
• Reverend Iain MacDonald, Highlands and Islands, led Time for Reflection in the Scottish Parliament.
“People here are thoroughly engaged with community, with social justice issues. A real community is defined by how it looks after its most needy.”
• Gemma Mackintosh, Highlands and Islands, campaigns for improved support for those living in Scotland with a visual impairment.
“I am one of the examples of many people with additional needs who have been failed by the education system. I want to change the system and how they deal with children with visual impairments.”
• John Macleod, Lothian, lodged two petitions on Gaelic matters and is heavily involved in Gaelic and Gaelic cultural matters in Edinburgh.
“What was behind the campaign was the need for special status for the language to enable sustainable developments for the future.
• Amal Azzudin, Glasgow, campaigned against the practice of dawn raids on failed asylum seekers.
“What the campaign has achieved more than anything is raising awareness…that was all we could do.”
• Claire Ewing, Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament.
“Politics is everywhere and everything but young people don’t see that…
If you want it then you’ll fight for it…you need to believe in yourself and believe in what you’re doing.”
• Rebecca Brown, Central Scotland, carried out a work placement at her local MSP constituency office.
“The realisation that politics is everything. You don’t really have an option…you really should be involved, it’s going to affect you anyway.”