Roland Muirhead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roland Eugene Muirhead
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|---|---|
| President of the Scottish National Party | |
| In office 1936–1950 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham |
| Succeeded by | Tom Gibson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 24 July 1868 Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, Scotland |
| Died | 2 August 1964 (aged 96) Meikle Cloak Farm, Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, Scotland |
| Political party | Scottish National Party |
| Other political affiliations |
National Party of Scotland Independent Labour Party Liberal Party |
| Spouse | Flora McFadzean (m. 1945–1964) |
| Alma mater | High School of Glasgow |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Roland Eugene Muirhead (born July 24, 1868 – died August 2, 1964) was an important Scottish businessman. He was also a strong supporter of Scottish independence. He believed Scotland should have more control over its own affairs.
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Who Was Roland Muirhead?
Roland Muirhead was a key figure in Scottish politics. He spent his life working for Scotland's future. He was known for his strong beliefs and dedication. He played a big role in the early days of the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Early Life and Beliefs
Roland Muirhead was born in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire. His father, Andrew Muirhead, owned a business called Gryffe Tannery. Roland was interested in politics from a young age.
He first joined a group called the Young Scots' Society. However, he left this group in 1914. He disagreed with the Liberal Party's support for Britain joining the First World War. Roland was a pacifist, meaning he believed in peaceful ways to solve problems.
After the war, he joined the Independent Labour Party in 1918. He later became the first chairman of the National Party of Scotland. This party was focused on Scottish self-governance.
Leading the Scottish National Party
The Scottish National Party (SNP) was formed by combining the National Party of Scotland and the Scottish Party. Roland Muirhead was a key member of the new SNP. He became the party's president in 1936. He held this important position until 1950.
During the Second World War, he spoke out against conscription. This was the practice of forcing people to join the army. He believed people should not be made to fight if they did not want to.
Fighting for Scottish Home Rule
In 1950, Roland Muirhead started a new group called the Scottish National Congress. This group focused on getting Scottish Home Rule. Home Rule means Scotland would have more power to make its own laws.
Even though he was still a leading member of the SNP, he spent most of his time on this new group. He worked on creating a proposed constitution for Scotland. A constitution is a set of rules for how a country is governed.
His Legacy
Roland Muirhead passed away in 1964. He was buried in his hometown of Lochwinnoch. In 1968, a special plaque was put up at his old home. This plaque remembers his important work.
Tom Johnston, a Member of Parliament (MP), was a lifelong friend of Muirhead. Johnston was also a Labour politician. He said that Roland Muirhead was "the greatest patriot which Renfrewshire has produced since William Wallace". This shows how highly he was thought of by his friends and colleagues.
