It was good to see links between the Scottish Government and the Isle of Man strengthened this week with the visit by a Scottish Minister.

Linda Fabiani, the Scottish Government Minister for Europe, is the first Scottish Minister to visit the island. She said she hoped that cultural and political links could be bolstered in the future saying that both institutions (The Scottish and Manx Governments) could learn from each other.

Both the Isle of Man and Scotland share a Celtic heritage, as well as a common (Manx and Scottish Gaelic) indigenous language.

Referring to areas for joint cooperation Ms Fabiani said: "We both have to deal with the UK as member states so we have a lot to learn."

However, in one area there is apparently no desire on the part of the current administrations and Ms Fabiani's Department in particular to pool resources.

The Celtic League had suggested that both Scotland and Mannin which have comparable arguments with the British governments over looted artefacts (The Chronicles of Man and the Isles and The Lewis Chessmen) could make common purpose in seeking their return.

The Ministers Office has ruled out any cooperation telling the League:

"Thank you for your letter of 10 February 2008 to the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture concerning the repatriation of cultural artefacts.

The issue of repatriation is an international one and the world museum community is addressing this issue at an international level as has happened, for example, over the issue of ownership of cultural objects stolen during the Nazi era.

The Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture viewed the Lewis Chessmen at the British Museum at the end of January 2008 and met with Dr Andrew Burnett, Deputy Director of the British Museum, to discuss the repatriation of the Lewis Chessmen. They agreed that constructive dialogue about the chessmen should continue and the Minister hopes to meet the Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, in due course.

There are therefore no plans to raise the matter of the Lewis Chessmen through the British Irish Council. The Good Friday Agreement which established the BIC says its purpose is to “promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of these islands.”

The BIC carries out work in substantial policy areas including transport, environment, tourism, social inclusion, knowledge economy, minority and lesser used languages, demography and misuse of drugs. Soon they may also be working on early years, child protection and energy. We therefore do not consider the BIC the appropriate forum for raising repatriation issues."

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

21/03/08

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