First Minister announces formal apology for historical policies.
First Minister has told Parliament that
policies historically applied to Gypsy/Traveller individuals and
families were unacceptable and has formally apologised to those
communities.
Responding to the publication of research into how
Gypsy/Traveller communities were affected by the so-called
'Tinker Experiments', Mr Swinney said that while the policies are
no longer in effect, and pre-date the Scottish Parliament, they
caused significant and lasting trauma to families.
Unjust attitudes and practices resulted in children being removed
from Gypsy/Traveller families and families being forced to live
in substandard accommodation and degrading conditions.
Extending a formal apology to those affected, Mr Swinney said the
Scottish Government is whole-heartedly committed to ensuring
mistakes are not repeated in its current and future work.
The First Minister said:
“It seems clear to me that stark prejudice and lack of cultural
awareness led to a series of unfair and unjust policies. Policies
that resulted in children being removed from families, and
families being forced to live in substandard accommodation
and degrading conditions.
“The trauma that this has caused to individuals, families and
groups, including those who regard themselves as ‘victims of
Tinker Experiments', is significant and lasting.
“So, as First Minister, I want to say this directly to
Gypsy/Traveller communities: The ‘Tinker Experiments'
should not have happened. It was wrong. And we recognise how
much it is still hurting so many. And more than anything
else I want to say this. On behalf of Scotland, we are sorry.”
Background:
Links:
First minister's
statement
Archival research conducted to
explore 20th century policies affecting Gypsy/Traveller
communities in Scotland
Historical policies impacting
Gypsy/Traveller communities, colloquially known as “The Tinker
Experiment(s)” - Scottish Government's response
Lived experience testimonies of
policies affecting Nackens (Scottish Gypsy Travellers),
Gypsy/Travellers and Scottish Travellers
