Scotia Pride 2010 takes place this Saturday in Edinburgh
Scotland’s annual LGBTI festival, Scotia Pride, will take place this Saturday 26 June in Edinburgh.
The day will begin with speeches from invited politicians plus a statement from Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, which will be delivered on his behalf by Shirley-Ann Sommerville MSP, SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Lothians.
The crowds will then march down Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, past the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace. Edinburgh Council is to fly the rainbow flag from the City Chambers in honour of the day.
According to a press release from Pride Scotia, “A Health and Community Fair in GHQ Nightclub will include exhibitions by several Police forces, Lothian and Borders Fire and rescue (who will also have a fire engine on the march) and a number of health projects and community groups.
“The day will round off with a performance by Edinburgh Gay Men’s Chorus in St George’s West Church.
“Free childcare will be provided by Edinburgh Creche Co-op during the afternoon – please phone 0131-553 2116 to book a space.”
Pride Scotia 2010 will also be celebrating 30 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Scotland. Although legislation was passed in England in 1967, it was not until the late Robin Cook’s amendment to the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980 that the law was changed.
Although the law was passed in 1980, it took until the following year to come into force. Scotland was ahead of England on the repeal of Section 28 however, abolishing it in 2000, three years ahead of England.
