Members' Business — S6M-02164 Stuart McMillan: Scottish History in Schools

That the Parliament notes what it sees as the importance of Scotland’s history being taught in schools; believes that learning about local history helps pupils engage with their area’s heritage and could empower them to explore their family’s history; notes the view that this work should include aspects of Scotland’s past that its people are not proud of, particularly in relation to its role in the transatlantic slave trade; believes that pupils in the Greenock and Inverclyde constituency could learn about the Radical War of 1820, which saw the final battle take place in Greenock and left nine people killed and many wounded, aged eight to 65; appreciates the role of libraries and museums in assisting schools and families in exploring their history; welcomes reports that many teachers already carry out this work, aiming to ensure that lessons suit their pupils; acknowledges that learning about the history of other nations is important, but notes the view that this should be an aside to learning about Scotland's own history; commends the efforts of community groups, such as the 1820 Society and the Society of William Wallace, for helping keep stories about the nation's history alive, and notes calls encouraging MSPs to engage with community groups in their efforts to learn about and promote local history in their constituencies and regions.