Historic Environment Scotland (HES) want nominations from the public as historic LGBT Scots are to be recognised with plaques on buildings associated with them.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) want nominations from the public for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender figures from Scotland’s past to celebrate as part of the national Commemorative Plaque Scheme.
Now in it’s seventh year, the programme is this time focusing on LGBT individuals whose life and achievements have made a difference to Scotland and its people. HES also want the public to identify buildings with a specific connection to them.
The only criteria is that the person nominated has been deceased for at least 20 years, and that the building where the plaque is to be erected has a close connection to that person.
Nominations can be submitted until the end of this month, and successful nominees will be announced in Spring following consideration by an independent panel.
Since its launch in 2012, 55 plaques have been awarded to historic Scots from famous inventors like James Watt and John Logie Baird, to artists such as Joan Eardley and prominent sportspeople such as golfer Willie Park Snr.
Martin Ross, Grants Development Manager at HES, said: “Traditional methods of commemoration, such as plaques, have not always reflected the diversity of Scotland’s population or recognised the contribution of minority groups.
“We’re asking the public to help us rectify this as we celebrate LGBT History Month, by shining a spotlight on Scotland’s rich and diverse history and recognising the LGBT individuals who have played a significant role in our country’s story.”
The request comes as Scotland marks the annual LGBT History Month, celebrating LGBT life and culture and recognising the achievements of LGBT people and communities.
Scott Cuthbertson, Development Manager at Equality Network, said: “One of the reasons we have an LGBT History Month is to explore the hidden histories of LGBT people.
“Past criminalisation and stigma often meant LGBT people lived in secrecy and their achievements went unacknowledged. We welcome this initiative by Historic Environment Scotland in extending the nominations period for the Commemorative Plaque scheme.
“We hope people from across Scotland put their thinking caps on and nominate LGBT people and places which may have until now gone unrecognised.”
Nominations can be made here.
