Murdo Fraser MSP suggests new £26.5 million museum in Perth be named after literary son John Buchan

Murdo Fraser MSP

Murdo Fraser MSP has suggested that the new £26.5 million museum in Perth be named after its most famous literary son, John Buchan, writer of ‘The Thirty-Nine Steps,’ among others.

The Scottish Conservative politician feels this would be a fitting tribute to the novelist who was born in York Place in Perth and is fondly remembered in the Fair City, with a commemorative plaque in place at his family’s former villa there.

Commenting, Mr Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: “I very much welcome Perth and Kinross Council providing the opportunity for members of the public to suggest names for the new museum in Perth. The new £26.5 million museum is set to be a major tourist attraction with the Stone of Destiny as its main centrepiece.

“It will give a massive economic boost to Perth and its surrounding area. I think it is fitting therefore, that the new museum be named after John Buchan, who has such a historic association with the city.

“He was born at the then Manse of the Knox Free Church in York Place and went on to become a prominent author and statesman. In 1933, Buchan, along with Francis Norrie-Miller, was made a Freeman of the City of Perth – one of only a few to have been both born in Perth and given the award.

“He spoke of his attachment to Perth at the ceremony in the City Hall, saying, ‘I am one of yourselves. My notion of Perth was drawn wholly from Sir Walter Scott, and it seemed to me a magical place which must confer a unique distinction upon its natives.’

“I believe it would be a great way to honour John Buchan by having the new museum named after him.”

Mr Fraser has lodged a Motion at Holyrood congratulating the council on asking the public for suggested names for the new museum.

The suggestions can be made online at: surveymonkey.com/r/cpkmuseumnaming or by picking up a leaflet at the following places:

Perth Museum and Art Gallery.

Culture Perth and Kinross libraries.

Perth and Kinross Council buildings participating businesses.

The winning name will be announced in the summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may also be interested in

Murdo Fraser MSP

Murdo Fraser

Murdo Fraser was born in Inverness and studied law at Aberdeen University before practicing as a solicitor in Edinburgh. In the 1999 Scottish Parliament Election, Murdo stood as the Conservative candidate for North Tayside, and fought the constituency again at the 2001 General Election. He became a Member of the Scottish Parliament in August 2001 following the resignation of the previous List Member for Mid-Scotland and Fife, and was re-elected in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2021. Murdo was Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives from November 2005 to November 2011 and has served as spokesman on Education, Health, Economy and Finance. Murdo was delighted to be re-elected in 2021 and is now Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Business, Economic Growth and Tourism.