The books: What the politicians are sending....

Published on Monday 24 January 2011 21:23

FIRST MINISTER ALEX SALMOND A Biography of Robert Burns

"I CHOSE "A Biography of Robert Burns" because Burns is an international icon and his work celebrates universal humanitarian values and friendship. This book encapsulates that life. As we celebrate our national bard's birth, I feel it is fitting that this work should be displayed at the rebuilt Good Samaritan School in Haiti. A year on from the Haitian earthquake, the scale of the disaster remains immense and I hope this small gift demonstrates Scotland's friendship and support for the people of Haiti."

IAIN GRAY, Labour leader

A Scots Quair

Lewis Grassic Gibbon's most famous work mourns the passing of a lost age. The first part of the trilogy, Sunset Song, describes the impact of the First World War on rural Scotland through the eyes of its heroine Chris Guthrie. Despite its harsh depiction of farming life, its overall message is one of hope. I challenge anyone to name a literary figure who is more vibrant and alive than Chris Guthrie. The book is ultimately a celebration of humanity and, with its vivid description of the landscape of the North-East, our own place in the natural world.

ANNABEL GOLDIE, Tory leader

The Lore of Scotland, Jennifer Westwood and Sophia Kingshill

Annabel Goldie MSP ?believes the two countries share cultural similarities and her choice reflects that. " Scotland and Haiti are countries with an oral tradition blending history, legend, folk tales and lore. I have chosen The Lore of Scotland: A Guide to Scottish Legend, a book which encapsulates a rich tapestry of these ancient tales which are at the heart of Scottish culture to excite the imagination and enthusiasm of people half a world away. It is a classic book for dipping in and out of and that is what gives it an enduring appeal.

ROBERT BROWN MSP

Kidnapped, Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson is my favourite author and storyteller. Most of his books are steeped in the geography and spirit of Scotland – but very much Scotland in outward-looking and international mode. The settings of his tales range from Bristol to the South Seas, Edinburgh to the Caribbean, the Highlands to France. Kidnapped and its sequel Catriona are fantastic stories of Scotland after the Jacobite rebellion I am glad that people in Haiti will be able to read Kidnapped, get the same pleasure as I have – and think fondly of Scotland.

CHARLIE GORDON MSP

The Works of Robert Burns

Widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, but also celebrated and appreciated around the world, Burns is the best-known of the poets who have written in the Scots language, although much of his writing is also in English and accessible to an audience beyond Scotland. He also wrote in standard English, and in these pieces his political or social commentary is often at its most forthright. Regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement, his work has endured down the ages, as has his reputation, which saw him voted by the Scottish Public as the Greatest Scot in 2009.

BILL AITKEN MSP

A Scot's Quair, Lewis Grassic Gibbon

I chose this book first of all because of its Scottish character and also for the contrast provided of life in rural Scotland and in the cities of the time. The political element is interesting also dealing with the time where communism was attractive to many, until realism proved that it was not. Most Scottish books have an element of humour and there are characters in the book written almost 80 years ago, which all of us could recognise. While sad in parts this is an optimistic work which is pertinent to Haiti's people.

TAVISH SCOTT, Lib-Dem leader

Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson

One of Stevenson's best-known and most influential novels, though originally published in a serialised form, it set down the template for future pirate-and-lost-treasure sagas. Narrated by Jim Hawkins, the son of an innkeeper, this adventure story tells of how a series of chance encounters with several mysterious customers, leads to him coming into possession of a treasure map. He is then drawn in to a tale of intrigue that leads to him taking to the high seas with the infamous Long John Silver to track down a cache of buried treasure.

FIONA HYSLOP, Minister for Culture and Exteral Affairs

Katie Morag Island Stories, Mairi Hedderwick

"The Katie Morag stories are a favourite among my children and I have chosen a collection to share with the children of Haiti. The stories tell of a Scottish girl on a Scottish island and gives some idea of real life on Scotland's islands. The book is filled with beautifully painted pictures by the author and is a treasure found in schools across the country, so I am delighted to be able to share its value and enjoyment with the children of Haiti."

ANNE McLAUGHLIN MSP

The City of Glasgow

"I'm donating a book called "The City of Glasgow" which is a collection of photographs of Glasgow by the influential contemporary photographer Colin Baxter. I love looking at the photos but I want people in Haiti to be able to picture Glasgow, the caring city when they talk of it and I hope this book helps achieve that. I support the venture because it's a great idea and a fantastic opportunity to make a real connection between the people of Scotland and the people of Haiti."