9 October is the the 32nd anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s visit to Glasgow to collect the Freedoms of 9 UK cities, district and boroughs in 1993.
As we mark the 9 October anniversary we also mark Black History Month.
We are also delighted to announce the forthcoming Public Consultation on the proposed design of the statue of Nelson Mandela. It will take place in Glasgow City Chambers with an exhibition of the maquettes of the five shortlisted sculptors from 7 – 14 November 2025. People will be able to book a viewing slot via the website in due course.
Nelson Mandela arrived in Glasgow on Friday 8 October and was greeted by the guests in the Hilton Hotel where he stayed for the weekend. Nelson received a briefing from Brian Filling, Chair of the Scottish Committee of the Anti-Apartheid Movement, and Councillor Rev. Stuart McQuarrie that evening in the hotel.
On the morning of Saturday 9 October 1993, he received the Freedoms of the 9 UK cities, Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Hull, Islwyn District (Wales), London Borough of Greenwich, Midlothian District, Newcastle and Sheffield.
This was held in the City Chambers with the Freedoms of each City being awarded separately in rooms on the Councillors’ corridor. This was followed by an assembly of all the delegates from the cities awarding their Freedom and specially invited guests. It was held in the Banqueting Hall where the speakers were Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, President of the Anti-Apartheid Movement and Nelson Mandela.
In the afternoon a rally was held in George Square attended by some 15,000 people. Brian Filling introduced Nelson Mandela who spoke to a rapturous crowd.
Following this an assembly of some 1500 guests was held in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall addressed by a number of speakers including Nelson Mandela.
Marah Louw, Arthur Johnstone and the Eurydice Choir sang at the events in George Square and in the Concert Hall.
In the evening an event was held in the Banqueting Hall of the City Chambers to thank the Anti-Apartheid Movement.
Donations to the campaign can be made online at https://mandelascottishmemorial.org/donate