CONSERVATIVE MSPs have been left fuming after the Scottish Government refused to participate in the national co-ordination and distribution of a book about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The book, titled Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Jubilee Celebration, is written for those between nine and 10.
It has been written collaboratively by educators and historians from across the UK and Commonwealth and cost the UK Government around £12 million.
However, earlier this year the Scottish and Welsh governments asked to only receive the book on an "opt-in" basis which has led to criticism from some opposition members.
Conservative MSP for South Scotland Sharon Dowey suggested children had “missed out” on an educationally useful piece of work and that the SNP decided to limit Scotland’s participation because they did not want a book which might bolster support for the Union.
Dowey said: “Her Majesty has been an incredible tower of strength for our country for the last seven decades and we saw how much people wanted to give their thanks to her during the platinum jubilee weekend.
“That is why it is so disappointing that many children across Scotland missed out on the chance to receive this historic keepsake celebrating her extraordinary reign.
“It appears this was the latest example of the SNP being petty for the sake of it when it came to rolling out something in Scotland.
“Many children would have been keen to learn more about Her Majesty, given the prominent coverage of the jubilee, yet SNP ministers’ grievance sadly stopped that from happening.”
The book tells the story of a young girl called Isabella who, after finding a “treasure box” of souvenirs, is able to learn about recent historical events, key individuals and developments in art, design and culture during the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.
Responding to a question posed by Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser about how the project was being promoted to schoolchildren, Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The idea for this book was instigated by the UK Government. The Scottish Government is not involved with the opt-in process being carried out by the UK Government with education authorities.”
Somerville added that officials did not have figures for the number of schools choosing to receive copies of the book.
The Scottish Government has said it was solely the UK Government who is responsible for the book’s content, development and distribution.
A spokeswoman added: “All primary schools in Scotland were able to receive copies of the book for their pupils.”
