Coronation Lighting: Which side are you on as we ask two leading Highland MSPs for their takes?
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Highland Council’s announcement that the Inverness Town House and the city’s Ness Bridge were to be specially lit to mark the run up to the Coronation sparked widespread online criticism among a few voices of support. On the eve of the big day we asked two Highland MSPs where they stood on the matter.
AGAINST
Emma Roddick, Highlands and Island SNP MSP
I have two main issues with the Coronation Lighting Debacle.
Firstly, I am a Republican. I am no fan of a system which rewards generational wealth and bloodlines over democracy and fairness. We have no say in who our King – or our Earl of Inverness – is.
Not only that, we’re in a situation where folk are terrified of turning their heating on, terrified of icy weather coming again, because they can’t afford their heating bills; but hundreds of millions are being spent on showing off the “divine right” of a man who is already king. It’s just for show, and he doesn’t need our money to fund it, yet we’re the ones footing the bill.
My second main concern is that nobody really seems to be aware who made the decision to light up our public buildings in our name. It’d be one thing if a majority of Invernessians or our representatives really wanted to go all-out to display allegiance to the new King; I could live with being in a grumbling minority who disagree if I knew most folk wanted to go along with it. But I just don’t buy that that’s true.
From this sudden decision to the Prince Andrew debate, I’ve been quite proud of the Highlands for our growing rejection of pomp and ceremony for people who rule us purely by accident of birth. The coronation is not a harmless or apolitical event, it has real effect. It reinforces the idea that your blood and your inheritance is worth more than who you are and what you do with your time in this life.
I hope folk will join me in telling friends, family, and tourists that the lighting is a nod to Inverness Caledonian Thistle making the final of the Scottish Cup.
FOR
Edward Mountain, Highlands and Island Conservative MSP:
I fully understand that there are different opinions regarding the monarchy but it does form part of the fabric and history of this United Kingdom.
With that in mind I do hope that we can all agree that a Coronation ceremony plays an important function in the workings of our constitution, whereby the monarch takes an oath to uphold the law. This act affirms our democracy.
To many though, the Coronation means so much more than just the upholding of the rule of law. It is also a time to celebrate in and rejoice our country’s historic traditions, which have lasted hundreds of years.
Millions will be watching the Coronation of HM King Charles III and communities across the country will gather together to delight in street parties too.
I believe it is right that we celebrate, and that Inverness finds a way to join in with the festivities. Lighting up the city’s landmarks in red, white and blue will bring joy to many and comes at no cost.
As we approach the Coronation bank holiday weekend, I remember when I swore allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II at the age of twenty. If I was twenty again I would make the same choice to serve my country by swearing allegiance to the King.
It will be a great honour to all those who are part of the ceremonial procession accompanying King Charles III and Queen Camilla to and from Westminster Abbey this weekend.
I intend to enjoy the Coronation at home with my family. Whatever your plans this weekend I hope that you will also embrace the occasion and find time to celebrate with loved ones.
