How often do Scotland's Gypsy/Travellers appear in stories the country tells about itself? and when we do appear - who writes the narrative? For generations the public picture of Scottish Gypsy/Traveller communities has been drawn by other people, and that picture has often been one of romance at best and caricature at worst. This has fed exclusion and compounded the trauma that families have carried across generations. Despite being an Indigenous people to Scotland, the Gypsy/Traveller community remains one of the most othered and misunderstood of any who call this country home.

This Friday Lunch talk by Davie Donaldson will address how recent research shines a light on the role cultural representation plays in whether a community is met with understanding or prejudice. Davie Donaldson is a Scottish Gypsy/Traveller (Nawken) activist scholar and human rights defender. Through his work at Conyach He supports decision-makers at local, national and international level to make policy and practice more inclusive. He holds an MA in Anthropology and International Relations from the University of Aberdeen, is qualified with the Restorative Justice Council, and is a multi-award-winning podcast host with BBC Scotland.

For Friday Lunch, Davie will explain the history that led to the Scottish Government's 2025 apology for 'cultural genocide'. He will also lead us in discussion to explore what repair looks like in a post-apology context and what role communities have in navigating a traumatised landscape to carry an accurate picture of a community, they make better decisions and cause less harm.  

Join us for this intimate take on one of Scotland's oldest yet least understood people, their history, culture and aspirations for the future, with room for questions.

No booking required just turn up. What's on the menu for this event is yet to be confirmed – check back later for more details.

Accessibility

Friday Lunch is usually attended by 15-25 people. It takes place in Square Deal (22 The Square, Huntly AB54 8BR), the creative and community hub on Huntly Square. There is a guide to visiting Square Deal online here. This includes information on travelling to the venue, photos and plans of the space, and sensory information.

This is a family friendly event and children are very welcome. We have highchairs and children’s cutlery/crockery available.

There are facilities for heating up your own food if desired.

This event is free, but donations of £2 to cover the cost of ingredients and any travel/access costs for the speaker are welcomed.

Allergens/dietary Notes

There are always gluten free and vegan options at Friday Lunch. Food is prepared in a kitchen that may have traces of nuts, seeds, dairy and other allergens. Everything is clearly labelled. Please let us know if you are planning on coming along and have any food allergies by emailing: bruce@deveron-projects.com

About Friday Lunch

The sharing of food is a great leveller. On the second and fourth Friday of the month, we invite people who live or work in and around Huntly to speak about things they are passionate about – this could include their work, a project, an area of research or hobby. Topics are broad and change every time, from nature to community development, writing to food, history to social justice among many others.

About the HOME Programme

This event is part of our HOME programme. Through regular events and artists’ residencies, HOME supports the everyday and creative practices of cooking and eating, chatting and caring, sharing skills and learning together. HOME regular events include Friday Lunch, as well as the monthly Food Chain cookery workshop and a stall at the Huntly Farmers' Market. These events celebrate local knowledge and experiences, and explore what it's like to live and work in and around Huntly. Through this work we aim to build more complex understandings of Huntly and its place in the world.

If you'd like to contribute to the HOME programme, or know someone who you'd love to hear from, then get in touch with us on: info@deveron-projects.com.