16 Nov 2007
Secretary of State for Scotland Des Browne today praised the contribution that Poles have made to Scottish life at the first ever reception held at the Scotland Office to celebrate Poland's national day.
Des Browne welcomed representatives of the many thousands of Poles throughout Scotland including delegations from the Scottish Polish Cultural Society, the Polish Ex-Servicemen's Club, Polish Art Scotland and Edinburgh's Polish drop-in centre for children and adults.
Speaking ahead of the reception, Des Browne said:
"Poles have made a tremendous contribution to all aspects of Scottish life since Europe was expanded in 2004, but we must remember that Scotland's links with Poland stretch back into history. Since the last war, of course, there have been very strong links between the two countries and there has been a very lively Polish community in Scotland; but in fact those ties go back much further and are largely characterised by Scottish migration to Poland.
"Since mediaeval times there have been strong trading links between Scotland and Polish ports on the Baltic coast - and during the 17th century in particular many thousands of Scots emigrated to make their fortunes as soldiers or traders. Alexander Chalmers served several terms as Mayor of Warsaw, and Robert Gordon made his name in business in Gdansk before returning to Scotland to establish the institution that now bears his name.
"But there's no doubt that the accession of the new European countries has transformed our Polish community and I'd like to use this reception to draw attention to the tremendous contribution - both economic and cultural - made by Poles who have moved here and extend a warm welcome to our newest Scottish citizens."
Media Contact: Nathaniel Mumford - 0207 270 6875 / 07771 938878