Learning Exchange: Support for New Scots
InspirAlba and the Rural Social Enterprise Hub hosted another learning exchange on the 25th of March 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, partnering with Migration Policy Scotland, Moray Supports Migrants and Refugees, Bute Advice Center and Fyne Futures. The event was supported by the Scottish Community Alliance and had an attendance of 26 individuals representing different organisations from rural Scotland.
Moving home is challenging. Moving home to a country which is new, has a different culture, and speaks a different language is tough and can be overwhelming. The New Scots refugee integration strategy by the Scottish Government sets out a vision of welcoming Scotland, where people can rebuild their lives from the day they arrive.
The third sector plays a crucial role in supporting new Scots in Scotland, especially in the rural landscape. This learning exchange was an opportunity for such organisations to come together, make connections, share their knowledge and experience and learn from each other.
Leri Price | Migration Policy Scotland
Migration Policy Scotland (MPS) is an independent think tank founded in 2021 to address the urgent need for greater capacity on migration issues in Scotland. MPS focuses on the full spectrum of migration routes and populations, aiming to provide informed responses to both the challenges and opportunities migration brings.
Leri’s presentation focused on financial disadvantage in migrant households and practical solutions to address these challenges through the policy laboratory initiative.
Their research ‘Open the Door’ highlighted:
- Financial Barriers: Many migrant households face financial difficulties due to limited access to social security benefits, difficulty in securing stable employment, and high costs associated with visa applications and renewals.
- Employment Challenges: Skilled migrants often struggle with job market entry due to non-recognition of foreign qualifications and experience, leading to underemployment and exploitation.
- Social Integration: Language barriers and limited social networks can worsen the financial hardship as well as the mental wellbeing by restricting access to employment, housing, and essential services.
Catherine Collery | Moray Supports Migrants & Refugees
Moray Supports Migrants and Refugees (MSMR) is a grassroots initiative that provides direct support to migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Moray. The organisation focuses on practical assistance, community integration, and advocacy to ensure that new Scots can navigate life in rural Scotland.
Catherine Collery’s presentation highlighted key challenges faced by migrants and refugees in Moray and the ways MSMR is working to address them:
Challenges Identified:
- Access to Services: Many migrants and refugees struggle to register with GPs, secure housing, or access benefits due to complex bureaucratic processes and a lack of translated materials.
- Social Isolation: The rural setting of Moray presents unique challenges, including limited public transport and fewer opportunities for cultural or community connections.
- Employment Barriers: Migrants and refugees often encounter difficulty finding work due to a lack of recognition of their qualifications, limited local networks, and language barriers.
MSMR Initiatives and Solutions:
- Community Support Networks: MSMR has established volunteer led befriending services, peer support groups, and drop in sessions to help migrants feel more connected and supported.
- Service Navigation Assistance: The organisation provides one to one support to help individuals understand and access essential services, including healthcare, housing, and legal aid.
- Language and Employment Support: MSMR offers ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, employability workshops, and collaborations with local businesses to create work opportunities for migrants and refugees.
Catherine highlighted the importance of a community driven approach, highlighting that local partnerships and grassroots action are key to ensuring long term integration and wellbeing for migrants and refugees in rural areas.
Documentary – Bridging Worlds: The Role of Third Sector in the Rural Scotland
InspirAlba and the Rural Social Enterprise Hub were able to film this documentary featuring Bute Advice Center and Fyne Futures, showcasing their work in supporting some of the migrants and refugees who are now resettled in the Isle of Bute.
Julie Semple, manager of Bute Advice, shares how the organisation has used tools like Google Translate to overcome language barriers and provided welfare, benefits advice and support on to other services such as employability and volunteering opportunities that have transformed lives.
In the part 2 of the documentary, Amanda Thorburn, employability coach at Fyne Futures talks about her experience in supporting some of the migrants and refugees who came into the Island of Bute.
Breakout Discussions & Key Takeaways
As part of the learning exchange, attendees participated in breakout room discussions designed to foster deeper engagement and peer learning. These discussions focused on two key questions:
- What’s happening in their local area in terms of supporting New Scots?
- What challenges are being faced, and what recommendations can be made?
Key Discussion Points:
- Volunteer & Funding Challenges: Many organisations rely heavily on volunteers but struggle with recruitment and retention. Additionally, year-to-year funding uncertainty makes long-term planning difficult.
- Transportation Barriers: Limited public transport options and challenges related to driving make accessing services and employment difficult, especially in rural areas.
- Policy and Legal Landscape: The complexity of policies, including visa processes and employment regulations, can create significant barriers for migrants.
- Employment & Skills Recognition: Many migrants face difficulties converting their qualifications and experience into equivalent roles in Scotland, often leading to low paid or precarious employment.
- Access to Funding: While there are successful initiatives in different areas, securing consistent funding remains a challenge for many organisations.
- Vulnerabilities in the Visa System: Complex visa procedures can leave migrants feeling uncertain and vulnerable.
- Positive Examples: A well networked approach in Argyll and Bute was highlighted as an effective model for supporting New Scots.
- Person Centred Approaches: Tailored support services that focus on individual needs were seen as highly effective in helping migrants integrate successfully.
- Policy Concerns – Skilled Worker Salary Threshold: The increase in the minimum earnings threshold for skilled workers to £38,700 was identified as a major issue, particularly for rural economies.
- Geographical Challenges: The distance between rural communities and main support organisations creates accessibility issues.
- Collaboration & Learning: Despite these challenges, there was a strong willingness among organisations to share knowledge and learn from each other to strengthen support for migrants across Scotland.
Download the full notes with the links to the presentation slides and meeting records here.