Have Your Say on Arbroath’s 2020 Celebrations

With the 700^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath only four years away, at 7pm on November 16, 2016 a public meeting will be held at Hospitalfield to discuss the celebrations for this highly-significant occasion.

“This is an opportunity for everyone interested in Arbroath’s past, present and future to discuss ideas for the special events that might take place to mark the 700^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath on April 6, 1320,” said Norman Atkinson, chair of Arbroath 2020, organisers of the meeting.

“Arbroath 2020 has been established to ensure Arbroath celebrates this momentous anniversary in style and that local people, organisations, charities and businesses are not only involved in the celebrations but benefit from them.”

Norman explained that the members of Arbroath 2020 are working closely with organisations such as Historic Environment Scotland, Visit Scotland and Angus Council to encourage, develop and organise events to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath.

“The public meeting will provide opportunities to view and discuss the proposed plans for a civic square in front of Arbroath Abbey, including the possibility of moving the Declaration Statue from its current site overlooking the Dundee Road to a spot on this square or perhaps commissioning a new sculpture. At this stage, the more ideas and suggestions that are under consideration, the better.

“Arbroath 2020 is determined that, as well as developing a first class programme of special events which will highlight the part Arbroath played in the history of Scotland and attract visitors from across the globe, the 2020 celebrations will leave the town with a lasting legacy. We want as many people as possible to contribute to the discussions about the form this legacy should take and are particularly keen to involve the young people of Arbroath in plans for April 6, 2020.”

On the evening of November 16, after a brief introduction by Norman Atkinson, there will be a question and answer session with members of Arbroath 2020 and opportunities to discuss and air ideas, followed by tea and scones. “We are open to all suggestions, both about the events and the legacy of the 700^th anniversary,” stressed Norman.

“What do you want to see happening in Arbroath in or around April 6, 2020 to mark the 700^th anniversary of the signing of this world-famous document?

“The public meeting at Hospitalfield on November 16 is your chance to contribute to a world-class celebration that will put Arbroath under the global media spotlight, attract thousands of visitors to the town and leave behind a legacy that will be valued by generations of Red Lichties.”

Picture credit: Ian Lamb