A framework for co-operation and connection

THE relationship between Ireland and Scotland has long been an important part of the cultural, political and economic life of the two countries, and looking ahead to 2030 it now has a new framework to expand the impact of the relationship and encourage its good health.

Launched on November 26 as Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney met with Irish Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond at Iveagh House, the new Ireland-Scotland Bilateral Cooperation Framework 2030 will form the core of the relationship over the next few years.

The meeting was a prominent example of the bilateral relationship, and the discussions held showed the relationship in action, but the thrust of the meeting was to ensure that the links between Scotland and Ireland can develop to the benefit of both nations in the second half of the decade.

The launch event—which was attended by senior officials and representatives from a wide range of stakeholder organisations, including energy companies, universities, cultural bodies, diaspora groups and collaborative networks—reflected the broad scope of the framework and the role of non-governmental partners in supporting delivery.

Building on successes

The latest framework inherits many of the priorities of the previous framework, which ran from 2021-2025, and seeks to build on its successes, and in a joint statement, which was published with the framework, Helen McEntee, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Angus Robertson, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Relations and Culture, said: “Over the past five years, the Ireland-Scotland Joint Bilateral Review 2021-2025 has been at the heart of this work.

“As our relationship continues to evolve and grow, it is essential that this framework also evolves and adapts. It is with this aim that we have agreed a new Ireland-Scotland Cooperation Framework—a strategic and action-oriented programme to provide further impetus and direction to our cooperation to the end of the decade.

“We have already accomplished so much together.”

Among the areas receiving attention in the framework will be government-to-government relations, business and economic links, climate, energy and sustainability, education, research and innovation, communities and diaspora engagement, and culture, language and sport.

Diaspora focus

Of particular interest to the Irish community in Scotland will be the focus which will continue to be given to the vibrant Irish diaspora in Scotland—particularly fitting in a year in which community led achievements—such as the first civic St Patrick’s Day Parade in Glasgow and the success of the St Roch’s Marching Band, which culminated in their performance at Croke Park.

Over the next five years the activities of government and public institutions in Scotland and Ireland will seek to strengthen these already firm links, and connect communities on both sides of the Irish Sea.

In the areas of sport and language we already see the links developing beyond the Irish and Irish descended population of Scotland, with Irish and Gaelic speaking groups breathing life into the linguistic connections and the shared sporting heritage being honoured with high profile celebrations of culture such as the Hurling-Shinty international.

“The histories of the peoples of Ireland and Scotland are closely connected, with our stories of migration, in particular, being core to our respective identities. Place names and family names across both countries are an ever-present reminder of our intertwined past,” the framework explains. “A wealth of community organisations continue to support and enrich the lives of our respective diaspora communities, in particular by promoting Scottish and Irish cultural and sporting traditions. Both countries also use annual events such as St Andrew’s Day and Burns Night, St Brigid’s and St Patrick’s Days, to forge new relationships, showcase our evolving societies, and enhance community outreach.

“The richness of our respective rural, coastal and island communities has also proven to be an area where cooperation is strong. Such communities face similar social, economic and other challenges. Promoting engagement between these communities, and sharing of experiences and best practice, can help us meet these challenges more effectively.

“Finally, as we look to foster connections into the future, the importance of ensuring connection and understanding between our young people will also be an important part of our relationship.”

Scale of ambition

Beyond the personal, familial and community links which bind Ireland and Scotland, the framework also showcases the scale of the ambition of the two governments to maximise the potential of their partnership to the benefit of both nations.

With economic links being constantly fostered and shared concerns—such as climate, education and research—being tackled in partnership, by exploiting the potential of Irish and Scottish universities, the spirit of progress is at the heart of the framework.

At the political level, the pledge to continue to support engagement, partnership and co-operation is underlined by publication of the framework itself, and the recognition of the role of non-government stakeholders in achieving success through the framework recognises the part that those active in connecting Ireland and Scotland have to play.

With political insecurity across the world characterising the post-Covid-19 landscape—seeing conflict, economic uncertainty and movement of people across the world—the commitment shown by Scotland and Ireland to their neighbour, and cultural partner, offers a sign that stability is still available and gives an opportunity for the Irish community in Scotland to use that stability to make our culture and community activities a respected part of Scottish cultural life.