Hyslop attends Service at Westminster Abbey for Nelson Mandela
MSP Calls on West Lothian Council to mark Mandela Day
Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop represented the Scottish Government for the life and work of Nelson Mandela in London this week and has called on West Lothian Council to take part in Mandela Day on July 18th this year.
In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July ‘Nelson Mandela International Day’ in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. The UN joined a call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation for everyone to devote 67 minutes of time (one minute for each year that
Mandela gave in service to his country) on 18 July (Mandela’s birthday) to helping others, as a way to mark Nelson Mandela International Day. Plans for this year include a concert of South African music and Scottish music in Glasgow.
Fiona Hyslop said;
“Nelson Mandela was a truly inspiring leader who transcended politics with his inspirational forgiveness, humanity and compassion and I was profoundly honoured to represent the Scottish Government at Monday’s Service of Thanksgiving.
“Madiba has a particularly special place in the hearts and minds of the Scottish people and so I have written to West Lothian Council encouraging them to take part in the International celebration of Mandela’s life.
“I am sure the people of West Lothian would want to officially celebrate the day particularly as West Lothian Council was one of those Local Authorities to grant Nelson Mandela Freedom of their District.”