Call for Royal Mail to put a unique stamp on 2014 celebrations

AN MSP is calling on Royal Mail to commission a series of stamps to mark the cultural and sporting events being held in Scotland in 2014 when the country will host the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. A second year of Homecoming is also planned for 2014.

The year will mark the 10th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament and the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.

The first Homecoming was held throughout 2009, and the year’s events brought £53.7 million to the country, exceeding the Scottish Government’s £44 million target by 22 per cent. First Minister Alex Salmond announced a second year of cultural celebrations will be held during 2014, on the back of its success.

Royal Mail is set to issue stamps for the 2012 Olympics, being held in London, and the Queen’s Jubilee.

Rob Gibson, SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said 2014 will be a “remarkable” year for Scotland.

He said: “With a commemorative stamp for the Queen’s Jubilee being issued next year I feel it is time to ask for one of the host of events taking place in Scotland in 2014. The Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games are two massive sporting events which will be celebrated by all and remembered fondly.

“The Royal Mail’s response so far has been disappointing, turning down a separate request for Commonwealth Games stamps – I am asking them to reconsider the full range of events taking place in Scotland in 2014.

“I am now seeking cross-party support to urge Royal Mail into issuing a series of stamps for 2014 and hope that others will make appropriate suggestions.”