Historical policies impacting Gypsy/Traveller communities: Scottish Government's response

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

This response considers the findings of archival research conducted to explore 20th century policies affecting Gypsy/Traveller communities in Scotland.

This response has also been informed by consultations undertaken with community members who have been affected by historical policies. These engagements have provided further insights into the lived experiences, priorities, and aspirations of those impacted, and have helped to shape this response.

The Scottish Government remains committed to ongoing engagement - listening, learning, and taking action - to ensure that our work with Gypsy/Traveller communities is both visible and effective, and contributes to long-term, positive outcomes for Gypsy/Traveller communities. This response signifies our intent to move forward with transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to equality and inclusion, aligning with our commitments in Improving the Lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers 2: action plan 2024-2026.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the individuals and organisations that supported us throughout this process. Their thoughtful feedback and guidance have been invaluable. In particular we would like to recognise the community members and campaigners who have long advocated for recognition and change. Their tireless work, willingness to share deeply personal stories, and their aspirations for justice and a better future for subsequent generations have been central to this process and we are deeply grateful for all their efforts.

1.2 Background

The Scottish Government recognises that Gypsy/Traveller communities have faced, and continue to face, significant discrimination. Members of Gypsy/Traveller communities have called on the Scottish Government to acknowledge historic state policies supported by successive UK Government departments (particularly the Scottish Office) in collaboration with Scottish local authorities and the Church of Scotland between 1940 to 1980s (i.e. prior to devolution). These policies, colloquially known as the “Tinker Experiment” and “Tinker Housing Experiments,” involved the forced housing of Gypsy/Traveller families in substandard accommodation at sites across Scotland and, in some instances, the forced removal of children from their families and subsequent adoption domestically and overseas.

During the Scottish Parliament’s Equality, Human Rights & Civil Justice Committee meeting on 29 March 2022, the then Minister for Equalities and Older People expressed her recognition of the unacceptable historical practices experienced by the Gypsy/Traveller communities in Scotland. In an effort to fully capture and understand the implications of these past actions, and to ensure that communities could share their stories in their own words, the Scottish Government announced that independent research would be commissioned.

To deliver on this commitment, two separate contracts were produced. The first focused on archival research, with the aim of constructing a comprehensive timeline of key events, decisions, and the roles played by institutions and organisations. This work was awarded to the Third Generation Project at the University of St Andrews and the work commenced in April 2023. The report that has been published is the outcome of this research.

The second contract was designed to explore the present-day impacts of these historical policies on Gypsy/Traveller communities, with a particular emphasis on gathering lived experiences from those directly affected. However, despite being advertised twice, no compliant bids were received for this qualitative research. As a result, it was agreed that direct engagement with community members would take place following the completion of the archival research. These engagements were carried out in April and May 2025, with the support of an external independent consultant who was recognised and trusted by the communities involved.

1.3 Definitions

We recognise that ‘Gypsy/Travellers’ in Scotland are not a single group but are instead comprised of many different individuals, families and groups, each defined by its own history, culture and lifestyle - and their right to self-identify is central to each. We are working with the understanding that, in Scotland, the umbrella term ‘Gypsy/Travellers’ includes Romany Gypsies, Scottish and Irish Travellers, Highland Travellers, Nackens (Scottish Gypsy Travellers), Nawkens and Nawkins.

We also recognise that the effects of historical policies have not been experienced uniformly across these individuals, families and groups. While some may have been directly affected through the immediate impacts of certain policies, others may have felt the impacts in more indirect but still significant ways. These varied experiences mean that the traumatic consequences of the policies have manifested differently depending on a number of factors. Additionally, we are mindful of the intergenerational nature of these impacts. The outcomes of past decisions can extend far beyond those individuals, families and groups who were initially affected, impacting the lives of subsequent generations through inherited disadvantages or systemic barriers. Understanding and accepting this complexity is vital as we try and move forward together.

We are aware that some individuals impacted by the policies identified in the archival report, and some who were generous enough to share their lived experience, regard themselves as “victims of Tinker Experiment(s).” We recognise and accept that individuals affected by certain policies have the autonomous right to self-identify. While some may choose to identify as “victims”, others may prefer alternative terms that better reflect their personal experiences and perspectives. While it is paramount to acknowledge the profound impact of certain policies, we do not use a blanket application of the term “victim” in this response. We will use the phrase “Gypsy/Traveller individuals, families and groups who continue to be affected by historical policies” with the intent to also include individuals, families and groups who identify as “victims of Tinker Experiment(s).”