Gypsy/Traveller communities in Scotland embody a wide range of cultural traditions, lived experiences and identities. Upholding each community’s right to self identify is a core human rights commitment that guides all of our engagement and policy development.
In Scotland, the term Gypsy/Travellers is used as an umbrella description for several distinct communities, including Romany Gypsies, Scottish and Irish Travellers, Highland Travellers, and Nackens/Nawkens. Each community has its own heritage and cultural traditions, and our work reflects this diversity. As one of the most marginalised groups in Scotland, Gypsy/Traveller communities continue to face significant barriers to equality, and addressing these inequalities remains a core human rights commitment within our policy and practice.
Actions
We:
- published Anti‑Racism Delivery Plan 2026–2030, which identifies work with Gypsy/Traveller communities as one of its five strategic priorities, building on progress made through previous action plans
- are improving educational outcomes for Gypsy/Traveller children
- are committed to improving access to and experience of health and social care
- are introducing improvements in accommodation and planning for Gypsy/Travellers
- are focussing on the above areas based on findings from the 2011 and 2022 census relating to the needs of Gypsy/Travellers
- commissioned independent archival research and independent community consultation to better understand historical policies and practices that affected Gypsy/Traveller communities in Scotland, colloquially known as the “Tinker Experiment(s)”. We published a written response to the findings and the First Minister formally apologised in Parliament
Background
Progress made through the first action plan Improving the lives of Gypsy/Travellers and the second action plan Improving the lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers 2 – Action Plan 2024-2026 demonstrates the collaborative work of national and local government, the dedication of third sector organisations, and most of all, the determination of Gypsy/Travellers to ensure better futures for their communities.
A ministerial oversight group supported the delivery of the second action plan.
Contact
Email: strategic-team-for-anti-racism@gov.scot
Post:
Strategic Team for Anti Racism
The Scottish Government
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ