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Marbles expose SNP

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Published Date: 11 July 2008
John A K Huntley's thought provoking Alternative Take (8 July) on the Elgin or Parthenon Marbles exposes Alex Salmond's government for what it is in relation to Scotland's supposed influence and power for good in the world.
It is quite clear that where there is political capital to be had from talking up all things Scottish, SNP government ministers will assume the moral high ground and pontificate relentlessly to those who might listen. However, suggest a situation where an eminent Scottish personality might be deemed to have acted beyond the pale, and the SNP doesn't want to know. Even where the outcome (however unlikely) could have resulted in the repatriation to Athens of artefacts held in a British Institution.

Compare their reaction to Mr Huntley with the debates surrounding the Lewis Chessmen or the Stone of Destiny (neither of which were "stolen" from their original locations) and one can only marvel at the SNP's political gymnastics.

BILL GOODALL
Baird Terrace
Edinburgh



The full article contains 164 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 10 July 2008 10:07 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Keren, It's time,

11/07/2008 01:29:17
Marbles? You've lost yours!!
2

SouthernSkye,

11/07/2008 07:23:02
Were not the Elgin marbles taken in order to stop them being destroyed?
many pices had already been taken during the break-up of the Ottoman empire. Numerous pieces were taken by the French.
The only reason they survive together is because of Lord Elgin.
That said I think there should be a deal struck to loan them to Greece with the understanding that they are also returned and displayed back here on occasions too.
3

Guga II,

Rockall 11/07/2008 07:26:20
You have lost your marbles mate. The Stone of Destiny was stolen by the English, we didn't give it to them. Moreover, now that we have it back, it should never be sent back south to the English for the crowning of their German monarchy.

As for the Elgin Marbles, I, along with many other supporters of Scottish independence, reckon they should be returned to their rightful owners, along with all the other stolen property held by various museums around the world; notably that den of stolen property, the so-called British Museum.
4

Guga II,

Rockall 11/07/2008 07:31:59
#2. The fact that Lord Elgin obtained the Elgin Marbles from the Turks when they were the occupying power in Greece, does not detract from the fact that they belong to the Greeks, and they should be returned.

This is the same as, for example, all the art works looted by the Nazis when they were the occupying power in much of Europe. The Nazis did not have the right to either keep them, or give them away.

They are stolen property, and should be returned. End of story.

5

Gdgy,

dundee 11/07/2008 08:09:33
There's plenty to expose about the SNP's hypocrisy and double speak without having to make stuff up!!!
6

Socrates,

11/07/2008 08:33:06
3 and 4# There is something seriously wrong with your marbles and, for that matter, your historical knowledge.

The Stone of Destiny was stolen by the English, we didn't give it to them. Moreover, now that we have it back, it should never be sent back south to the English for the crowning of their German monarchy.
owledge.

What nonsense! The English didn't steal the stone. Edward Plantagenet, a Norman, did. And our monarchy isn't German. In fact it is derived from the Stuart dynasty.
7

EWB,

UK 11/07/2008 08:59:16
Given that the SNP want independence from London and, by extension, the British Museum, which is the repository of the Elgin Marbles, should they be keeping those noses out of foreign affairs?

#2: The occupying Turks were using the Parthenon, where the Marbles are stored, as an arsenal, so Elgin did save them from destruction.

If the Marbles were "lent" to the Greeks, I bet that they wouldn't return them.

If one pursues #3's argument, then one would have to empty most of the major museums of the Western world of their important ancient artefacts. Can't see the French agreeing to that, somehow.
8

Miss H,

11/07/2008 11:18:12
The last time I looked the Elgin Marbles were in the British Museum. So it's not an issue for the SNP to get involved in.

I agree with those who think they should go back but since they are not in Scotland it is not really our business is it?
9

Thomas J,

Dunfermline 11/07/2008 11:25:16
They were stolen and Parliament was lied to by Elgin in 1816 when he made the case for their purchase.

Fraud unravels everything. They are booty. Give them back.
10

Hugo of Garven,

11/07/2008 11:32:15
Whatever the rights and wrongs regarding the marbles, I am grateful to Lord Elgin because I was able to see them many times in London.

I have never been to Athens so I would have missed out if they had not been in London.
11

bill-alba,

fife 11/07/2008 11:35:39
#8 no they arent located in Scotland...but you did note the name of the museum..it isnt the English museum as much as we would like it to be renamed.
12

G,

dundy 11/07/2008 12:30:39
Bill-Alba

Why should he British Museum have to be renamed? Even if the SNP finally get on with things and have a referendum and win it, if Scottish was to become independent there coud still be a Britain....
13

G,

dundy 11/07/2008 12:30:40
Bill-Alba

Why should he British Museum have to be renamed? Even if the SNP finally get on with things and have a referendum and win it, if Scottish was to become independent there coud still be a Britain....
14

Miss H,

11/07/2008 14:33:55
12 I quite agree.

But the article the guy is writing about was just daft. He seemed to be arguing that Scottish ministers could rule that the Elgin Marbles were stolen and - because Lord Elgin was Scottish - rule that they ought to go back to Greece.

The SNP Government said in response that they didn't see that they had any locus in the matter. And they don't. If the Elgin Marbles were kept in a Scottish museum they might be able to intervene (though I am not sure of that) but they certainly can't tell the British Museum what to do and anyone with a grain of common sense would know that.

As individual politicians they could make a case for their return but government ministers can only do what it is in their power to do.
15

Guga II,

Rockall 11/07/2008 18:41:42
#7. We will be happy to keep our nose out of foreign country's affairs, as soon as the English government keeps their nose, and their grasping, greedy paws, out of our affairs.

 

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