Scottish Parliament e-Brief, Issue 256

Andrew Carnegie Philanthropy Awards
First Minister, Jack McConnell, has congratulated the winners of this year's Andrew Carnegie Philanthropy Awards and is looking forward to Scotland hosting the prestigious event for the first time.

Mr McConnell said:

"Andrew Carnegie was one of the greatest Scots who ever lived, and I am delighted that the Carnegie Trusts have decided to host this prestigious ceremony in Scotland this year.

"In October, the eyes of the world will be on Scotland once again, and I am particularly pleased that Scotland has been chosen as the first country outside of the US to host this event.

"Congratulations to all of the prize winners. They have not only shown great talent in their respective fields, but also share Andrew Carnegie's own vision of distributing their wealth for the common good.

"It is also fantastic news that one of Scotland's own philanthropists, Tom Farmer, is being honoured. Sir Tom has contributed much to Scottish life and this award is richly deserved."

Darien documents go to Central America
The National Archives of Scotland is loaning historic 300-year-old letters to Central America as part of an exhibition on the Darien colony.

The letters tell the story of Scotland's attempt late in the 17th century to found an overseas colony of its own at Darien in Panama.

The failure led in the end to the Act of Union in 1707 under which Scotland received almost Ł400,000 in part to repay those who invested in the unsuccessful project.

Three letters written from Darien by a Scottish settler in 1699 are being loaned by the National Archives of Scotland to the International Canal Museum in Panama.

The original letters, sent by George Douglas from the isthmus of Panama to Fife, will form the centrepiece of an exhibition on the Darien settlement.