Avid hillwalkers and Mid-Scotland and Fife MSPs, Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith, have penned a joint letter to the Scottish Government urging them to back a campaign to have Sir Hugh Munro inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in time for the 100th anniversary of his death next year.
In 2013, Murdo previously called for Sir Hugh to be inducted into the Hall of Fame but was unsuccessful and now he has teamed up with Liz Smith to get Sir Hugh the recognition he deserves.
Next year marks the 100th anniversary of Sir Hugh Munro’s death and the Munro society is planning a series of events to mark his death. In addition to the exhibition planned at the AK Bell Library in Perth, Liz will is set to host a parliamentary reception in Holyrood celebrating his life.
Sir Hugh Munro was the first person to chart every mountain in Scotland over 3000ft and was one of the founding fathers of the Scottish Mountaineering Club.
Commenting, Liz Smith MSP said:
“Next year marks the 100th anniversary since the death of Sir Hugh Munro and I can think of no more fitting tribute than being inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame.
“In writing to the Minister for Public Health and Sport I hope we can attract the support of the Scottish Government in this campaign.
“Mountaineering is worth over £1 billion to the Scottish economy and a big part of that is thanks to the work Sir Hugh Munro did in charting our hills and mountains and it is only appropriate that he is included in the Hall of Fame.”
Commenting, Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Hillwalking and mountaineering is hugely important to Scottish culture and Sir Hugh Munro’s legacy is very much a part of this.
“The Scottish Sports Hall of Fame has a section dedicated to our famous mountaineers and I believe Sir Hugh Munro is more than deserving of a place in that list. Perhaps backing from the Scottish Government will help him reach this final pinnacle.
“Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of his death and I would encourage people across the country to mark it by climbing a hill or visiting the exhibition in Perth.”