Scotland in Eurovision: Online petition makes waves

by Stella Floras 225 views

A fan generated online petition has been launched trying to raise support for Scotland representing the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest, potentially taking turns with Wales, Northern Ireland and England. EBU Director Bjørn Erichsen has commented that the EBU follows Scottish initiative with “great interest”.

Motivated by the rather unsuccessful placings of the UK entrants in latter years, a group of Eurovision fans, supported by Alyn Smith, MEP, have proceeded to launch an online campaign through Facebook and their website to persuade the Scottish broadcaster to make a bid to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. David McDonald, spokesman for the group told Scotsman.com: "Eurovision is about the nations of Europe and a wee bit wider getting together and having fun, and it is clear that Scotland could do better representing ourselves than the UK."

The issue of Scotland getting to represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest is strongly supported by Nationalist Euro MP Alyn Smith. Mr Smith claims that it is possible for Scottish Television (STV) to bid to produce the contest, opening, thus, the way to a Scots entry. "I would like to see Scotland enter as an independent state, but we're not an independent state yet. Meantime, I've come up with the 'UEFA compromise' whereby Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England could take it in turns to organise the UK's entry." says Mr Smith.On the other hand, STV stated last night that they have no plans to submit a bid.

The European Broadcasting Union is following the developments with great interest. In response to the media reports, Director Bjørn Erichsen says: We are delighted to see the growing interest in Scotland to join the Eurovision Song Contest. It shows that, despite the emotions that came with the UK's disappointing results over the past years, there is still a strong following for the contest”. And he concludes: “Whatever scenario the BBC prefers, now and in the future, we are always open for a constructive dialogue that leads to a stronger Eurovision Song Contest, both with our Members, as well as with the public. But at the end of the day it is up to the BBC to decide”.

Stella Floras

Thanks to Johnny Logan and Hold me now I fell in love with the Eurovision Song Contest, a love that's been going strong ever since with undiminished passion. My first memories date back to 1977 and the lyrics of Rock bottom, Dschinghis Khan and A ba ni bi are still engraved in my brain.

I joined esctoday.com in 2006 as a junior editor after being invited by Barry Viniker, I soon became Senior Editor and during the 2007 contest in Helsinki I was appointed Head of Communications. Today I hold the post of Head of Human Resources and I am proud to be working with the best editorial team in the world.