FIRST Minister John Swinney has issued a formal apology in the Scottish Parliament to the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community for its role in the "Tinker Experiment".
The Tinker Experiment was a programme supported by the UK Government, the Church of Scotland, and Scottish councils from 1940 to 1980 that looked to “integrate” Gypsy Travellers into so-called mainstream society by threatening to remove their children into care.
Exact figures are hard to come by due to the secretive nature of the plans, but it is believed that thousands of individuals were forced to exist in sub-standard properties across Scotland in at least 10 different locations.
Many, although the exact numbers are difficult to estimate, were also removed from their parents – and even sent abroad into "indentured labour" – during and before the scheme.
The Scottish Government has been carrying out research into the impact of what happened – with report, by the Third Generation Project at St Andrews University, revealing “discriminatory” policies had been carried out in 27 of Scotland’s current 32 local authorities.
The Church of Scotland also issued “a heartfelt and genuine apology for these historic wrongs”.
Swinney addressed MSPs and members of the community on Wednesday, and paid tribute to late SNP MSP Christina McKelvie for her efforts in obtaining an apology.
He told the chamber: “It seems clear to me that stark prejudice and lack of cultural awareness led to a series of unfair and unjust policies. Policies that resulted in children being removed from families, and families being forced to live in substandard accommodation and degrading conditions.
“The trauma that this has caused to individuals, families and groups, including those who regard themselves as ‘victims of Tinker Experiments’, is significant and lasting.
“So, as First Minister, I want to say this directly to Gypsy Traveller communities: The Tinker Experiments should not have happened. It was wrong. And we recognise how much it is still hurting so many. And more than anything else I want to say this. On behalf of Scotland, we are sorry.”
He added: "As we look ahead, the Scottish Government is determined to maintain a strong leadership role in advocating for the rights of Gypsy Traveller individuals and in celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of these communities.
"An apology is not the end, but I hope the beginning of a new conversation. We want to continue this dialogue and work together to keep improving the lives of Gypsy Traveller individuals, families and communities in Scotland.
"That is the commitment I make to the communities and to Parliament today. Our duty is to address the errors of the past and work for a better future."
Campaigners have long called for an apology from the Scottish Government for what they call a “cultural genocide” – a co-ordinated and racist attempt to eradicate the Gypsy Traveller way of life.
The apology is similar to those given to other groups who suffered injustice in the pre-devolution era, including victims of the contaminated blood scandal and gay men convicted of sexual offences.
Afterwards, the Reverend Tommy MacNeil, convener of the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team of the Church of Scotland and Dr Mike Cantlay, convener of its Social Care Council said: “On behalf of the Church of Scotland, we offer a heartfelt and genuine apology for these historic wrongs, highlighted in the report and carried out in the name of the Church.”
They added: “We wish to say we stand in solidarity with those who suffered, and deeply regret the harm that came to them as a result of actions by the Church in the past.”
Their statement acknowledged that the Church of Scotland “tolerated discrimination and the use of derogatory language by its employees and members”
The men stressed: “We regret and are very sorry for the trauma that was inflicted on Gypsy Traveller communities, families and individuals by our Church.”
Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman said: “This apology is a vital and long-overdue step. The Tinker Experiment was a brutal, state-sanctioned attempt to erase culture, break up families, and silence communities. Its consequences have been profound and far-reaching.
“We are here today because of the tireless efforts of campaigners who refused to let this history be forgotten. I want to wholeheartedly congratulate and thank them for their persistence, courage, and leadership.
“Because this apology is important, and I hope, signifies a new direction for how we, as Scotland's Parliament, engage with, support and treat members of the gypsy traveller communities across Scotland. I will continue the conversations I’ve been having with the Scottish Government on next steps – we must discuss reparations and redress."
