AN EVENT due to be held in Dunfermline this evening (Wednesday) has been cancelled amid planned protests.
A 'Reflections on Peace' lecture was to be delivered by American Consul General, Jack Hillmeyer, at the Carnegie Library & Galleries.
The sold out talk was planned as part of a series of events marking the 125th anniversary of the foundation of Lauder Technical School, now Fife College, in 1899.
It was to feature the consul's reflections on how the Scottish-American industrialist Andrew Carnegie contributed to “ensure lasting peace in Europe” and how it poses “lessons for today’s world”.
It is understood some protesters were expected to get into the event to confront the US official about the country’s stand on Gaza.
Fliers circulating on behalf of the Fife Stop The War Coalition said they were protesting about the lecture from the key US government diplomat on “how to build peace in the world”.
The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign also encouraged supporters to write to the venue in an attempt to stop the event, while planning its own demonstration on the day.
Messages were sent saying: “It is unacceptable and highly provocative to Scottish public opinion to have a US diplomat deliver a lecture on peace at Dunfermline Carnegie Library while that government is arming and facilitating what the International Court of Justice has ruled can plausibly be called a genocide.
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“We won’t take lectures on peace from defenders of genocide. The US Consul in Scotland is planning to share his reflections on peace in Dunfermline.
“Please cancel this event and withdraw the invitation immediately.”
A post on the venue's Facebook page confirmed the event had been cancelled due to "unforeseen" circumstances.
It added: "We're sorry for the short notice for customers. Tickets will be refunded to those who planned to attend the event."
A spokesperson for OnFife told the Press: "OnFife is an apolitical organisation and spaces in our venues are used by a wide range of groups, political parties and other organisations which does not constitute an endorsement of their views.
"This was one of a series of events being supported to mark the 125th anniversary of the foundation of Lauder Technical School, now Fife College, and after discussion with all involved, the decision was made to postpone this event."
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