THE inaugural Glasgow University Thomas Muir Lecture on Democracy and Civil Society will be given by Professor Sir Tom Devine at the Kelvin Hall next week as part of the 2019 Festival celebrating the life and work of the man known as the father of Scotland’s democracy.
The title for the lecture is Unyielding Power: Foundations of Elite Supremacy in Eighteenth Century Scotland and no doubt in his usual manner, Devine will demonstrate how Muir fitted into that history.
The 2019 Thomas Muir Festival will once again train the spotlight on Muir who was persecuted and eventually banished to Australia in 1793 for his work to champion reform, freedom of speech and voting rights for all.
The Friends of Thomas Muir have organised this ninth festival in his memory, supported by East Dunbartonshire Council, local businesses and the community around Huntershill where he lived.
Other main events include the annual Thomas Muir Symposium at St Ninian’s High School in Kirkintilloch on Tuesday, October 22 where speakers will include Professors Nigel Leask and Gerard Carruthers of Glasgow University.
From November 16 to December 24, East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Exhibition will be held at the Thomas Muir Coffee Shop, Huntershill village, and on Friday November 29, Michelle McManus and The Flaming Blackhearts will be performing at Cadder Parish Church.
Festival organiser Jimmy Watson said: “We’re particularly delighted that the University of Glasgow is launching an annual Thomas Muir Lecture and has arranged for Professor Sir Tom Devine to deliver the inaugural lecture."
Devine's lecture on Muir takes place on Thursday at 6pm. Further information can be found here.
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