Names that went down in history to go on doors at Holyrood

Published on Thursday 25 March 2010 21:44

MSPs will soon be reminded of the achievements of renowned Scots as they go about their daily business at Holyrood.

The Scottish Parliament has named its committee rooms, where inquiries are held and legislation is scrutinised, after six historical figures who have made a significant contribution to the country.

Poet Robert Burns, women's education pioneer Mary Fairfax Somerville, Nobel prize winner Sir Alexander Fleming, physicist James Clerk Maxwell, economist Adam Smith and explorer David Livingstone will lend their names to the six committee rooms currently known only by number.

The six were picked by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body from a list of 170 nominations proposed by 45 MSPs.

Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson said: "We agreed that nominations should focus on historical figures, Scots-born or otherwise, who made a significant contribution to Scotland and the wider world.

"It was no easy task but we are pleased to have reached a final six which span the fields of science, literature, education, medicine, economics, missionary work, exploration and beyond.

"It's an eclectic mix from a range of disciplines, but one which perhaps says something about the breadth and depth of Scottish talent down the years."

The oak name-plates are expected to cost a total of 2,000 and will be installed later this year.