A YOUNG artist from Kirkintilloch has unveiled her portrait of Thomas Muir in the Scottish Parliament.
Gabrielle Joy Henderson was welcomed by her MSP, Rona Mackay, and the presiding officer Ken McIntosh at Holyrood on Friday September 23.
She beat hundreds of others to become the winner of East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Competition for her portrait of political reformer Thomas Muir. Gabriella painted the portrait while an S6 student at St Ninian’s High School in Kirkintilloch.
Thomas Muir (1765-1799) was persecuted and eventually banished in 1793 for his work to champion reform, freedom of speech and voting rights for all. Gabrielle’s portrait was painted to marked the 250th anniversary of Muir’s birth.
Rona said: “I was very proud to welcome Gabrielle to the Scottish Parliament to unveil her fantastic portrait of Thomas Muir. I am sure the MSPs, staff and visitors to the parliament will find the painting a fine addition to the collection. I wish Gabrielle all the best for the future and hope she continues to impress others with her artistic talent.”
The East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Competition was held as part of the Thomas Muir 250 celebrations and attracted 300-400 entries from primary and secondary school pupils.
You can come and see Gabrielle’s work at the Scottish Parliament between now and January. See www.visitparliament.scot/welcome for information about visiting.