GLASGOW'S former MEP Janey Buchan and more than 50 other signatories have written to the chairman of the National Heritage Lottery Board, Lord Rothschild, asking him to protect their ''democratic rights'' and insist upon public consultation over Glasgow City Council's bid for #9m lottery funding for an #18m improvement project for Kelvingrove Art Gallery.
At a press conference in Glasgow yesterday, Mrs Buchan, a long-time supporter of the arts, insisted that the move was ''not a vendetta against Julian Spalding'', the controversial director of the city's museums and art galleries.
The letter, she said, had been prompted by concerns that the plans had not been published openly and worries that the proposals amounted to a ''Disneyfication'' of the museum.
The letter draws to Lord Rothschild's attention the lottery board's assessment criteria - that the board will look favourably on applications which can show that the project is supported by, and will involve their local community, and also that this means there must be ''evidence of community support for the project, including details of public consultation''.
It continues: ''This is not the case in Glasgow where the people of Glasgow, whose collections these are, have only the information published in the media on which to base any opinion about the desirability of Mr Spalding's proposals.''
The letter concludes: ''We ask that you protect our democratic rights by insisting that any plans are openly published and/or exhibited before you reach your decisions. No city loves its heritage more than ours. We know that lottery funds could help but we do not know what use is planned for them.''
However, the letter provoked an angry response from Glasgow City Council's convener of arts and culture, Councillor Frank McAveety.
''It is extraordinary that Mrs Buchan has gone direct to Lord Rothschild instead of approaching us. Kelvingrove is the most popular museum in Britain outside London. It is cherished by Glaswegians and visitors alike, and is of major significance for the city's economy.
''She is doing Glasgow no favours by raising doubts in the minds of the Lottery Board members about our plans to invest in its future,'' he said.
Mr McAveety said the council had approved the outline submission in principle at its December meeting and lodged the bid in January. A detailed presentation of the proposals will be made to the arts and culture committee on June 3.
The lottery board is expected to give approval in principle of the submission in June and Mr McAveety has pledged there will be a period of consultation following a favourable decision.
''I can assure the public that there will be an ample opportunity for their views to be taken along with the council's so that together we can prepare Kelvingrove for its centenary,'' he said.
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