Immortality a step nearer for the famous

Published on Friday 25 December 2009 20:10

A CELEBRATION of Scotland's artistic talent has been proposed by a Scottish MSP.

Stars such as Lulu, Robbie Coltrane, Irvine Welsh and Brian Cox could be honoured, South of Scotland MSP Aileen Campbell said.

She has written to culture minister Fiona Hyslop and tourism minister Jim Mather, as well as Historic Scotland and VisitScotland with suggestions.

Ms Campbell said: "Scotland has made a huge contribution to the world and it is only right that we celebrate the success Scots have achieved at home and abroad.

"A Scottish 'walk of fame' could showcase these sons and daughters of Scotland and create an amazing cultural map of our country.

"Plaques could be placed around Scotland on buildings or streets in places of significance to the recipient, or gathered on the major streets of Scotland's towns and city's like the Royal Mile or Sauchiehall Street. Just like the Walk of Fame in Hollywood."

The Hollywood Walk Of Fame is a collection of about 2,000 names embedded in stars in the pavement of Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.

Each star has the name of real-life artists and fictional characters, such as Liza Minnelli, Michael Jackson and the TV cartoon family The Simpsons.

Ms Campbell said: "We have many locations that have produced numerous great cultural and artistic stars: Glasgow's School or Art or the RSAMD, Traverse Theatre or the Barrowlands, or bars and clubs where traditional stars have made their names like the Ceilidh place in Ullapool.

"There is much that would make a great cultural trail through Scotland and inspire Scotland's next generation to seek the same success as their idols."