Scottish Connections Advisory Panel minutes: October 2025

Attendees and apologies

• Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture (AR)
• Murray Leith, University of the West of Scotland (ML)
• Gerard Carruthers, University of Glasgow (Murray Pittock deputy) (GG)
• Billy Kay (BK)
• Kim Atkinson, Scottish Sports Association (KA)
• Prof. Tanja Bueltmann, Strathclyde University (TB)
• Fran Hegyi, Edinburgh International Festival (FH)
• Ian Houston, GlobalScot (IH)
• Andrew, Viscount Dunrossil, Scottish Council of Standing Chiefs (AD)
• Scottish Government Scottish Connections officials, Secretariat (SC)
• Rachel Sunderland, Deputy Director of International Relations, Population and Migration Division, Scottish Government

Items and actions

AR welcomed attendees, noting it’s the first meeting since Sir Geoff Palmer passed away. TB presented on ‘Understanding and Engaging the Scottish Diaspora’. There’s an engagement gap, desire for engagement is strong, but collected data from showed low awareness of SG initiatives in engaged diaspora communities. Data also showed strong connections from Scottish diaspora to Scotland and EU citizens resident in Scotland to Scotland. Concept of Scotland as ‘home’ resonates powerfully across all diaspora groups. Respondents cautioned against using diaspora as a revenue stream. View of engagement needing to be of more immediate relevance. Concerns on ‘gatekeeping’. Presented potential pathways that could enhance Scotland’s reach and influence. 

AR noted his own experience of being a member of diaspora overseas. AD noted his experience of people becoming tired of traditional ‘Burns Suppers’, and wanting to shake up the formula. This is perhaps due to the need to hear more about other Scots and a message from Scotland. FH raised that we need to be really specific about what we’re trying to do. AR agreed, noting that diaspora have a wide variety of interests, needs, and desires.

ML noted that the diaspora seek to be recognised, as part of Scotland. GlobalScots could be widened beyond economic interests. IH asked if there is a mini-diaspora network related to cities, noting Glaswegian affinity. IH also raised the point on widening the scope of GlobalScots. AR noted discussions with the Deputy First Minister on this topic. AR spoke about localising our offer, and speaking to city leaders on this.

TB thanked all contributors following her presentation. Noted education and alumni links. AR raised engagement of Chinese Alumni. BK noted the Scottish link to the design of Jamaican flag from his book. Connections through sport, like Greece and Scotland with recent football fixtures. KA noted the opportunities ahead in the sporting arena. AR noted that sport is one of the areas that is in it’s nature internationally engaged.

SC presented on Communications priorities; the Scottish Connections Fund 2025/2026, St. Andrew’s Day and Burns Night celebrations. IH spoke about the endless numbers of people we can celebrate, not just Burns.

SC further presented on Scottish Connections Award. Reflecting on the proposed ideas for a Scottish Connections Award TB mentioned unintended consequences, that may reinforce monolithic views. AD mentioned that could make SG look out of touch with diaspora. FH mentioned that this is asking a lot of people for little in return, and that SG should consider all rather than asking organisations to fit towards Scottish Government policies.

Actions

• SC to work with FH and US Consulate on EIF to make the most of US Programming next year, loop in relevant policy team
• SC to work with SSA on sporting engagements
• AR proposed meeting quarterly. This was agreed. Next meeting in January
• Explore ways to service Burns Suppers with a message from Scotland and notes to help hosts build speeches around
• SC to pick up with Nordic hub regarding WFK Christie in Norway
• Arrange meeting between KA and AR to discuss further and build momentum before the next Panel meeting
• SC to explore Burns Club newsletters