Kevin has called for the fullest recognition to be given to the achievements of the Brechin Cooperators in a major UK study and publication being undertaken by researchers into the history of Co-operative Business.
"Once I heard that this major study was underway I contacted one of the researchers at The University of Liverpool, Rachael Vorberg-Rugh and made her aware of what I knew of the importance of the Brechin United Co-operative Society and its important role in the early years of the development of Co-operatives. In many ways the Brechin pioneers are as important in modern history as Robert Owen and his achievements at New Lanark and the Rochdale Pioneers. I felt it was important they received due recognition in a major study of the history of Co-operatives being started in the lead up to the International Year of Co-operatives in 2012.
"I am pleased to say that the research team were happy to take these issues on board and consequently now have information about the records held in the National Library in Scotland. It is great to know that such a major study will be considering the vital part that Brechin has played in modern history."
Rachael Vorberg-Rugh, Research Assistant, Co-operative Business History Project, University of Liverpool said "While most histories of the co-operative movement begin with the work of the Rochdale Pioneers, it is crucial to acknowledge the people who founded co-operatives in communities across the UK at the start of the nineteenth century. Early experiments with co-operation such as those in Brechin were essential to developing and spreading co-operative ideas and practices, and deserve the fullest recognition."
Kevin said "I look forward to seeing the completed study in 2013, but also hope that some local celebration of the achievements of the Brechin Co-operators might take place during the International Year of Co-operatives in 2012."
"Once I heard that this major study was underway I contacted one of the researchers at The University of Liverpool, Rachael Vorberg-Rugh and made her aware of what I knew of the importance of the Brechin United Co-operative Society and its important role in the early years of the development of Co-operatives. In many ways the Brechin pioneers are as important in modern history as Robert Owen and his achievements at New Lanark and the Rochdale Pioneers. I felt it was important they received due recognition in a major study of the history of Co-operatives being started in the lead up to the International Year of Co-operatives in 2012.
"I am pleased to say that the research team were happy to take these issues on board and consequently now have information about the records held in the National Library in Scotland. It is great to know that such a major study will be considering the vital part that Brechin has played in modern history."
Rachael Vorberg-Rugh, Research Assistant, Co-operative Business History Project, University of Liverpool said "While most histories of the co-operative movement begin with the work of the Rochdale Pioneers, it is crucial to acknowledge the people who founded co-operatives in communities across the UK at the start of the nineteenth century. Early experiments with co-operation such as those in Brechin were essential to developing and spreading co-operative ideas and practices, and deserve the fullest recognition."
Kevin said "I look forward to seeing the completed study in 2013, but also hope that some local celebration of the achievements of the Brechin Co-operators might take place during the International Year of Co-operatives in 2012."
