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Chamber and committees

John Maclean Centenary

  • Submitted by: Richard Leonard, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour.
  • Date lodged: Friday, 24 November 2023
  • Motion reference: S6M-11394

That the Parliament notes that 30 November 2023 is the centenary of the death of John Maclean, the teacher, socialist, agitator, organiser and revolutionary who, after being a prisoner of conscience, went on to become the first Soviet Consul in Scotland; celebrates his role as a leader of the 1915 Glasgow rent strike, an organiser of the unemployed, an orator holding regular street meetings, and a parliamentary candidate; understands that the cairn that was erected for him on the 50th anniversary of his death is inscribed with "Famous Pioneer of Working Class Education, He Forged the Scottish Link in the Golden Chain of World Socialism”; appreciates the Scottish Labour History Society for, it considers, keeping his memory and contribution alive through the dissemination of publications and hosting a special conference held at the Unite the Union offices in Glasgow on 18 November 2023; welcomes what it sees as a fitting multitude of other events, including lectures, a poetry book launch, a window unveiling, a song-writing competition, a march, a concert, and the recent republication of his infamous Condemned From the Dock speech, to mark John Maclean’s life and work, and celebrates the life, work, beliefs and achievements of John Maclean.


Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Colin Beattie, Maggie Chapman, Foysol Choudhury, Katy Clark, Bob Doris, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, John Mason, Ivan McKee, Marie McNair, Carol Mochan, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, John Swinney, Mercedes Villalba