Thomas Muir Annual Symposium 2026 - Scottish Democratic Inspiration Across the World in the 1790s Join the Friends of Thomas Muir for the 14th Thomas Muir Annual Symposium, an afternoon of fascinating talks, history and music exploring Scotland’s radical democratic heritage and the remarkable individuals who helped shape the struggle for political reform. This year’s theme, “Scottish Democratic Inspiration Across the World in the 1790s,” explores how the ideas of Scotland’s radicals travelled far beyond Scotland — influencing political debate, inspiring reformers and connecting Scotland to a much wider international story. SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER Kenny MacAskill George Mealmaker – A Forgotten Political Martyr from Dundee What do we know about the Scottish radicals who challenged the political establishment in the 1790s? We are delighted to welcome Kenny MacAskill, former Cabinet Secretary for Justice in the Scottish Government, who will explore the remarkable story of George Mealmaker, the Dundee-born Scottish reformer and radical. A radical voice of his time, Mealmaker’s political activities and ideas helped inspire others in the struggle for democratic reform, including the Reverend Thomas Fysshe Palmer, who was transported to Australia for his radicalism. Kenny will bring this fascinating and often overlooked chapter of Scotland’s democratic history to life, exploring Mealmaker’s ideas, influence and legacy — and examining why the contribution of this remarkable Dundee radical deserves wider recognition. An opportunity to discover a remarkable story from Scotland’s radical past. OUR OTHER SPEAKER David Kenvyn The Worldwide Odyssey of Thomas Muir Former East Dunbartonshire Council librarian David Kenvyn will take us on a remarkable journey through the life and travels of Thomas Muir following his transportation from Scotland. Between 1794 and 1799, Muir travelled across an extraordinary range of countries and territories, taking in Australia, the Americas and Europe. David’s presentation will explore this little-known period of Muir’s life, following his remarkable odyssey and examining the people, places and political connections he encountered along the way. Drawing on extensive historical research, David will uncover information that has previously been overlooked and shed new light on Muir’s international journey. His talk will demonstrate that the story of Thomas Muir did not end with his transportation from Scotland. Instead, his ideas, experiences and connections continued to develop as he travelled across the world. The Worldwide Odyssey of Thomas Muir offers a fascinating opportunity to discover another side of one of Scotland’s most important early democratic reformers. CHAIR Professor Gerard Carruthers The symposium will be chaired by Professor Gerard Carruthers, with contributions from pupils of Bishopbriggs Academy and music during the afternoon. SCOTLAND’S RADICAL DEMOCRATIC HERITAGE The Thomas Muir Symposium provides an opportunity to discover more about a remarkable period in Scotland’s history — when ordinary people began demanding political representation, democratic reform and a greater voice in how the country was governed. More than two centuries later, the ideas and experiences of Scotland’s radicals continue to raise important questions about democracy, political participation and Scotland’s relationship with the wider world. Whether you already know the story of Thomas Muir or are discovering Scotland’s radical history for the first time, you are warmly invited to join us for an afternoon of history, discussion and music. TRAVEL INFORMATION Car: Parking spaces are available at the school. Please advise the organisers if you intend to use the car park. Train: Bishopbriggs Station is approximately 30 minutes’ walk from the venue. Bus: Regular services operate from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station. JOIN US Friends and guests are warmly welcome. Please RSVP to: Don Martin, Secretary, Friends of Thomas Muir dwmartindon@live.co.uk Alternatively, book your place through Eventbrite. Join us for an afternoon exploring Scotland’s radical democratic heritage — and the remarkable people whose ideas travelled across the world.

Description supplied by the event organiser.