Council urged to rename city library after trailblazing MP
CALLS have been made to rename Maryhill Library after Maria Fyfe – an “incredible woman” who fought for the city of Glasgow and for devolution.
The former MP for Maryhill passed away on December 3 last year, aged 82.
She represented the area from 1987 to 2001, when she retired.
Scottish Labour and Co- operative candidate for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn Keiran O’Neill has started an online petition and sent a letter to Glasgow City Council calling for the library, which housed her constituency office, to be renamed in her honour.
He wrote: “Maria was both a pioneer and trailblazer in our politics. As the only woman elected as a Labour MP in Scotland out of 50 in 1987. She devoted herself to the Maryhill constituency and improving the representation of women.
“The messages of support and love which came from across the political spectrum, civic Scotland and the local community following the news of her death were testament to the incredible woman that she was.
“She truly was held in the highest regard by her former constituents – even 20 years after leaving parliament.
“Many people have reached out to me since her passing and suggested that a fitting legacy would be to rename Maryhill Library in her honour. I can think of no more appropriate act to commemorate Maryhill’s first woman parliamentarian, who had such a commitment to lifelong learning, than doing this.
“I have discussed this proposal with Maria’s sons, Stephen and Chris, who support this proposal and have kindly offered to gift the painting of Maryhill Road by Kenneth Burns, which was commissioned by Maryhill Labour Party when Maria stood down, to the library.
“I would be grateful if Glasgow City Council would be willing to consider renaming the library in Maria’s memory and accepting the Fyfe family’s gift of the painting, a move which would have significant support within the community.”
The calls have been backed by residents and politicians from all over Glasgow.
Councillor Maggie McTernan said: “This would be a fitting way to remember a great Glasgow woman.”
Glasgow City Council have been approached for comment.