Recognising heroes of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
Inspirational community figures are being recognised as part of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month throughout June.
A range of activities and events will be taking place across the country and locally to celebrate Romany Gypsy, Roma, Irish Traveller, New Traveller showpeople, and liveaboard boater people.
This year’s theme is Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller 'Heroes' Month: Who inspires you? and aims to tackle prejudice and amplify the voices of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers through celebration, education, and awareness-raising opportunities. The month also promotes the history, language, culture and heritage of the communities, helping to challenge myths.
Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities are widely considered to be among the most socially excluded and disadvantaged communities in the UK.
• They still experience racism on a daily basis, and derogatory terms and language are still used against the community.
• They are among the poorest in society, falling far behind in every area, including education, health and housing.
• They will often hide their ethnicity because of the racism towards them.
• They suffer a lack of understanding about the Gypsy/Traveller culture.
• Young Travellers are considered to be one of the groups most at risk of low attainment in education.
• Travellers are part of the history of Scotland and have contributed to it over many years.
A short animation by MECOPP highlights some of the common misconceptions about Travellers.
With storytelling being a big part of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller culture, award-winning storyteller, author and playwright Richard O’Neill is presenting storytelling sessions with schools in Aberdeenshire as part of the Scottish Traveller Education Programme (STEP). Storyteller Pauline Cordiner is also running a session with youngsters this month.
Richard was born and brought up in a large Romani family, whose history in Scotland and England goes back hundreds of years. You can watch Richard read his story Polonius the Pit Pony on YouTube.
Other stories available for view include Wee Bessie by David Pullar and The King and The Tailor by Jess Smith.
The stories are part of a wide range of resources available for schools and young people, including:
• The GRTHM25 education pack for schools
• Information about traditionally nomadic communities
• Short film Roads From The Past
• A range of teaching resources
• The Lost Homework by Richard O’Neill
• Explore Our Historic Buildings - Highland Folk Museum
Further information and resources will be shared during Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month.
Aberdeenshire Council has a dedicated Gypsy/Traveller Liaison Officer, whose role is to assist the Travelling community by providing signposting, support and assistance to try to achieve positive outcomes for them.
Those seeking advice and support can contact Di Faithfull, the Gypsy/Traveller Liaison Officer, at di.faithfull@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, or Strategic Housing Officer Liz Hamilton at liz.hamilton@aberdeenshire.gov.uk