JOHN Swinney has sent a Burns Night message to Scots around the world – as the SNP Government announced a series of grants for Scottish diaspora organisations across the globe.
The grants from the Scottish Connections Fund aim to promote the country’s reputation internationally and have gone to diverse projects.
One aims to increase Scotland’s visibility in English-language classes in Germany, a second offers free Scottish music lesson plans for schools in Florida, and a third will fund a Burns Night for a Brazilian audience in Sao Paulo.
Others will see funding put towards helping Scottish artists and musicians launch a career in the US, or developing an Africa-Scotland business network.
The grants of up to £5000 were awarded to 11 projects out of 65 applications, the Scottish Government said.
The announcement comes as the First Minister sent a Burns Night message to the Scottish diaspora across the world – saying that “all are welcome to have a dram”.
Swinney said: “As First Minister of Scotland I would like to wish our valued members of Scotland’s diaspora a very happy Burns Night.
“Robert Burns’s words may have been penned in Scotland but they are famous the world over for his universal, compelling sentiments about love, compassion and our common humanity.
“Every year we come together with people across the world to celebrate Burns and dine following the traditional ‘Address to a Haggis’.
“This celebration illustrates Scotland’s essence by embracing tradition and offering the opportunity for more people to connect with Scotland – whether Scottish by heritage or ancestry, having lived in Scotland at any time, having links through business or education, or simply with a strong affinity for Scotland’s culture – all are welcome to have a dram in honour of Burns.
“In the work that you do – our fellow Scots and friends and family of Scotland – we recognise the outstanding progress and achievements you have made in supporting our unique culture, creativity and world-leading education.”
He went on: “Whether you bring people together for Burns Suppers and ceilidhs, mark the achievements of our thriving business and alumni networks, showcase Scotland’s thriving arts scene, or celebrate (or commiserate with!) our national football teams this collaboration is invaluable for reaffirming Scotland’s reputation around the world as a welcoming and creative nation.
“We welcome you warmly to visit, study, invest or simply enjoy all that Scotland has to offer and we congratulate you for your continuous efforts to connect with and promote our culture and impact worldwide.”
The First Minister’s message ends with a Burns quote: “Here's a health to them that's awa, And here's to them that's awa!”
Burns Night is celebrated on January 25 each year where the Bard is honoured with traditional food, drink, and poetry recitals.
