Hot debate

Published on 13/08/2012 00:00

The opening today of the two-day Edinburgh International Culture Summit at the Scottish Parliament offers an ideal platform on which to discuss the ongoing debate on the future of the Scottish Catholic Archives.

This debate first began in public in 2008 and was renewed in March of this year by academics and historians who argued that the removal of the one million archives to Aberdeen would adversely affect the progress of Scottish history. This high-
profile discussion has included an online petition – which has more than 700 signatures – and an open letter to the bishops of Scotland signed by more than 100 academics and historians.

The debate centres on the decision of the Scottish bishops to close Columba House at Drummond Place, Edinburgh, and move the material to Aberdeen and eight regional centres.

Academics and historians assert that being sited close to the National Library of Scotland, the National Records of Scotland, the National Museums of Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland is the critical criterion as to where the Scottish Catholic Archives are located and that relocating them throughout Scotland will frustrate and diminish the writing and researching of Scottish history.

Michael TRB Turnbull

Orchard Court

Longniddry, East Lothian