Words of wisdom carved in stone

Presiding office Alex Fergusson wants to focus on well-loved Scots writing Words already etched on wall

Members of the public are being asked to suggest a quotation to be carved on the wall of the Scottish Parliament to mark 10 years of devolution.

The winning entry will join 24 other quotes already etched on the Canongate wall of the building in Edinburgh.

Holyrood's presiding officer Alex Fergusson said entries should be from a well-loved or significant piece of writing that is relevant to Scotland.

Suggestions can be submitted through the parliament's website.

Entries can be English, Scots or Gaelic and should be no more than 50 words.

How they feel about Scotland, what it means to be Scottish, or hopes for the future Alex Fergusson Holyrood presiding officer

A panel of academics and MSPs will choose a winner by the end of October, with the new carving unveiled on St Andrew's Day.

Mr Fergusson said the Canongate wall was always intended to be a "living wall" that would be added to over time.

"We believe that as we approach our 10th anniversary, that time is now," he said.

"We are asking people to nominate a well-loved or significant piece of writing that is relevant for Scotland, perhaps something that expresses how they feel about Scotland, what it means to be Scottish, or hopes for the future."

Quotes already carved into small stone panels include the musings of Robert Burns, Gaelic proverbs, the words of Sir Walter Scott, contemporary writers and other famous Scots.

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