Scottish National Party (SNP) ministers are contemplating reparations for the country's Gypsy and Traveller communities to address what is described as ‘intergenerational trauma’. This consideration follows a formal apology made by First Minister John Swinney last year for past policies that negatively impacted these groups, including the housing of travellers in inadequate Nissen huts in the 1940s and the removal of children from families due to overcrowding.
A report commissioned by the Scottish government from St Andrews University characterized some of these historical integration schemes as ‘cultural genocide.’ In a letter to Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), equalities minister Simita Kumar stated that the government recognizes the significance of redress for those affected and that this remains under active consideration as part of a wider review of the report’s findings.
Kumar acknowledged the complexity of potential redress arrangements, which involve intricate issues of scope, eligibility, and evidence, especially given the broad historical context examined. "Consideration of potential redress arrangements raises a number of complex issues, including questions relating to scope, eligibility and evidential requirements, particularly given the broad range of historical policies and practices examined through the archival research," she wrote.
The equalities minister also revealed that Historic Environment Scotland (HES) had offered to preserve a historic Gypsy camp in Perthshire, though travelers had reportedly declined the offer. The Bobbin Mill camp near Pitlochry, site of wartime Nissen huts used to encourage a settled lifestyle, was a focus of historical attempts to integrate the community, which critics have called the ‘Tinker Experiment’ and a systematic effort to eradicate traveler culture.
Critics have voiced opposition to the potential reparations. Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Stephen Kerr dismissed the idea as "virtue-signalling nonsense" and argued that taxpayers should not fund reparations for historical events. Reform MSP Jamie Langan criticized the concept of reparations funded by taxpayers for decisions made decades ago, stating it reflects a detachment from public concerns.
The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) had previously called for ‘Transformative Reparations,’ including financial compensation. Professor Angela O’Hagan, Chair of the SHRC, emphasized that apologies are vital but insufficient on their own, advocating for Scotland to "put things right and support those who continue to live with the harm."
Despite criticism, the Scottish government has invested £20 million over the past five years to upgrade local authority Gypsy sites across Scotland. HES, however, has faced scrutiny for its maintenance of historical sites, some of which have been closed to the public, and is currently undergoing cost-cutting measures, including voluntary redundancies. An HES spokesman stated the organization has statutory responsibilities to care for and promote Scotland's entire historic environment, which extends beyond visitor attractions.
Kumar reiterated the government's commitment to practical action following the First Minister's apology, focusing on improving outcomes for affected communities through investments in accommodation, health support, and initiatives to preserve Gypsy/Traveller heritage. The discussion on reparations in Scotland occurs amidst a broader international debate on historical injustices and colonial legacies, including ongoing discussions about reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.