Wednesday 15 June 2016

2nd SCOTTISH RADICAL HISTORY EVENT




THE CENTENARY OF THE 1916 EASTER RISING
EXPLORING THE SCOTTISH CONNECTIONS


Saturday, 18th June, 11.00 - 16.00

Methodist Halls
Nicolson Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9BX


Morning

Ray Burnett - THE EDINBURGH DEMENSION TO CONNOLLY AND 1916

Maria Daniella Dick - THE BEHANS AND THE SCOTTISH CONNECTION

Lunch Break

Afternoon

Allan Armstrong - FROM 'THE BRITISH ROAD' TO 'THE BREAK-UP OF THE UK ROAD TO SOCIALISM'

Chris Bambery - JAMES CONNOLLY AND JOHN MACLEAN


Film Documentary - THE NAMES OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT - A PORTRAIT OF JAMES CONNOLLY
(45 minutes)


Cost of day ticket - £10, £5 and free for unwaged (or pay at the door)
Creche available - Please contact Pat Smith by Thursday evening, 16th June





The Easter Rising in Dublin 1916 marked the first major act of resistance to the First World War. It helped to trigger off events in Russia 1916 and Germany 1918. These not only brought that horrific slaughter to an end but helped to inaugurate an International Revolutionary Wave that lasted until 1923. The Rising also marked the first really serious challenge to the British Union and Empire. It  inspired John Maclean amongst others.

There are many ways the 19i6 Rising can be commemorated. RIC has decided to concentrate on the Scottish dimension. The role of Edinburgh born James Connolly in the leadership of the Rising is well known. However, the centenary has led to a greater appreciation of others, such as his daughter, Nora Connolly, also born in Edinburgh, and Coatbridge born Margaret Skinnider.

RIC has decided to devote its commemoration of 1916 to exploring the Scottish connections. Three contributors to the recently published book, Scotland and the 1916 Rising, Allan Armstrong. Ray Burnett and Mara-Daniella Dick, along with Chris Bambery, author of A People's History of Scotland, will examine different aspects of this Scottish connection.

We will also be showing the documentary film, On Behalf of the Provisional Government. This includes reminiscences from the family of James Connolly, including his daughter Nora, and Mary, the daughter of his brother John, who, along with James, was a leading figure in Edinburgh's trade union, labour and socialist movement. Both had also been active in Dundee.




  



Organised on behalf of Radical Independence Campaign -Scotland by RIC-Edinburgh