When Traveller Davie Donaldson was at primary school, he was called a “pikey” and a “tink” by the other children.
He was even told by teachers that his homework would not be marked because, as a member of a Travellers’ community, he wasn’t trusted to take it seriously.
Such hurtful discrimination would be enough to put any child off learning for life but Davie decided that, if he was to dispel myths, he needed to finish his education.
Now 21, he is in his last year at Aberdeen University and has become Scotland’s top campaigner for Travellers' rights - advising Government politicians on how to stamp out racism towards his ethnic group.
Davie first came to the Scottish Parliament’s attention in 2017 when he and other young Travellers gave evidence to the Equalities Committee about the discrimination they face. Politicians were so moved, they are driving forward a Race Equality Action Plan aimed at improving the lives of Travellers and have set aside £2million to improve sitestandards.
Davie, whose family’s Nackin Traveller roots date back to the 12th century, would love to become Scotland’s first Traveller MSP so he can champion and help protect his people at the highest level. The student, whose selfless determination to stand up for his community has earned him a Sunday Mail Young Scot Award in the Equality and Diversity category, said: “Discrimination against Travellers in Scotland has become the last form of acceptable racism.
“We are seen as having made a lifestyle choice rather than being an ethnic minority.
“Tolerance is growing towards other communities but there is still an ignorance towards Travellers, even though our rich history is centuries old. We all started out as nomads – we just kept travelling when everyone else stopped.
“I had to take down three signs this summer in Paisley, Dumfries and Perthshire which banned Travellers. Two were in caravan sites and one was in a shop. It’s not right that this is still happening.”
Davie, who has lived all over the country with his family and is studying social anthropology and international relations, added: “The three main things I would like to see happen would be the reopening of traditional camps, an increase in permanent sites and Traveller culture to become part of the curriculum in schools, just like LGBTi has.
“So many more issues need to be addressed but this would be a good start.”
Davie added: “When I was younger, my parents decided to come off the road and send me to a school in Edinburgh.”
The student, who travels round schools giving talks about his community, added: “I am proud to be a Traveller and will do what I can to help stop the racism and discrimination.
“There has never been a Traveller elected to the Scottish Parliament but maybe one day I will change that.”
