New Scots Gathering 2026

This year, we’re bringing together organisations, practitioners, and community leaders to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate.
About this Event

Join us for the 2026 New Scots Gathering, bringing together organisations, practitioners and community leaders from across the refugee and migration sector for connection, learning and collaboration.

This year’s theme, Stories That Shape Change, explores how storytelling and narrative can be used to influence systems, shape public attitudes and strengthen communities.

At a time when public narratives around migration are increasingly divisive and hostile, this gathering will offer us space to reflect on how we as a sector can tell a better story about migration, integration and belonging. Together, we will explore how stories can challenge harmful narratives, amplify lived experience and support meaningful policy change across our communities and institutions.

Together, we will reflect on how the stories we tell can:

· Communicate the importance and impact of our work more effectively

· Support New Scots to shape the policies, services and decisions that affect their lives

· Challenge harmful narratives on migration

· Build stronger public understanding, solidarity and inclusion across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

The gathering will include keynote speakers, workshops, creative sessions and networking opportunities designed to encourage collaboration across the sector and inspire new approaches to storytelling and participation. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

We hope to see you there.

Who is this event for:

This event is for organisations, practitioners, activists and community groups supporting New Scots across Edinburgh and the Lothians.