The Celtic League have suggested that a joint approach via the British-Irish Council may provide a means to recover artefacts plundered from the Celtic countries by the British Museum and British Library. The League say that Scotland's desire to recover the Chessmen is paralleled by Manx desire to see the Chronicles of the Kings of Man and the Isles returned.
In a letter to Scottish Culture Minister Linda Fabiani the Celtic League Director of Information says the remit of the British-Irish Council includes a commitment to respect for cultural rights (see below):
"Minister for Europe, External Affairs & Culture Linda Fabiani MSP The Scottish Government St. Andrew's House Regent Road Edinburgh EH1 3DG
Dear Mr Minister,
I am aware of the desire of the Scottish government to see the Lewis Chessmen returned by the British Museum to Scotland for permanent exhibition.
You may be aware that other governments in these Islands have concerns about artefacts currently housed at British institutions. For example, the Isle of Man government has finally endorsed popular demand on the Island for the return of the Chronicles of the Kings of Man and the Isles.
Given that the British-Irish agreement which led to the establishment of the British Irish Council affirms a commitment:
"to the principles of partnership, equality and mutual respect and to the protection of civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights in their respective jurisdictions;"
have you considered raising in the Council the question of restoration of removed artefacts?
Yours faithfully,"
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
10/02/08
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