A FUNDRAISING campaign has issued a fresh appeal for donations towards a statue of Scotland’s “greatest socialist”.
The John MacLean Statue Campaign - which can be donated to HERE - launched in January and has so far raised £11,710 – 24% of its target of £48,480.
It is hoped the “life-sized” statue of John MacLean could be commissioned and erected in Glasgow city centre.
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With only three weeks to go to raise £36,770, the campaign has urged people to continue donating.
In a statement on Twitter/X, those behind the campaign said “all donations, large and small, are most gratefully received”.
CAMPAIGN UPDATE 🏴
— John MacLean Statue Campaign (@MacLeanCampaign) February 27, 2024
We are delighted to announce that the crowdfunder has received £11,667 from 143 supporters, standing at 24% funded with 3 weeks to go.
DONATE NOW 👇🏼https://t.co/qzPlrIu7N4
All donations, large and small, are most gratefully received. (1) #MacLeanCampaign pic.twitter.com/1lYHzXYRiu
Those who have already shown their support for the project include Neil Mackay, founder of grassroots independence movement All Under One Banner.
Mackay, said of the campaign: "A statue of John Maclean on prominent display in Glasgow City centre will be a continuous victory for the cause, resonating as a tremendous urban pointer towards Maclean's legacy, and the absolute necessity for the people of Scotland to exercise democracy and claim their country's independence by right of self determination.
"Scotland shall be an independent, socialist republic. Please support the campaign."
Other supporters include Alba MP Kenny MacAskill and former Scottish Labour MSP Neil Findlay.
MacAskill (below) said: "There's plenty of statues in Scotland to Lords and Ladies but few to those who represented the people. It's time to recognise a hero who fought for a better Scotland not those who exploited other lands.
"It's an omission that needs resolved. No corporate or wealthy donors going to do it so we need to do it ourselves."
Findlay said: "Best wishes - a great project paying tribute to a political pioneer and inspirational socialist."
Who is John MacLean?
John MacLean (below) was a schoolteacher and one of Scotland’s most important socialists.
He played an important role in the Red Clydeside movement and was an early supporter of Scottish independence.
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A statement on the crowdfunding campaign’s website explains that the total funds sought for the project is £58,480 but that it has already received a generous donation of £10,000 from a MacLean supporter who “wished to remain anonymous”
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