Migrants savour slice of Scottish culture

MIGRANT workers living in Moray sampled a flavour of Scottish culture at the weekend when a celebratory event was held to mark their efforts to integrate into the community.

The Moray English for Speakers of Other Languages (Esol) project worked with Moray College and Moray Community Planning Partnership to organise a Taste of Scotland event at Elgin Community Centre on Saturday.

Guests enjoyed Scottish dancing and music, and Speyside Cooperage and Baxters Food Group organised barrel-making and Scottish culinary demonstrations.

The day was held to celebrate the achievements of more than 170 students and their families who have benefited from the project since it started in March.

Free classes were held for participants throughout Moray at college outreach learning centres, libraries, community centres and workplaces.

Joan Scott, a community-based adult learning worker who has been involved in the Esol project, said: “This is just to celebrate all our learners who have been taking part in the project.

“We felt it would be a good thing if they sampled or saw a bit of Scottish traditional life. If people learn English it makes it easier for them to integrate into their communities, and they’re more likely to stay in the area for longer.”