One Scotland Consultation

Summary Report

One Scotland Consultation - Summary Report

In support of the Scottish Executive’s One Scotland anti-racism campaign, Young Scot has been working to raise awareness of racism and related issues through our website and through things such as our One Scotland photography competition.

We were keen to find out what young people think about racism in Scotland and about people from other cultures and minority ethnic backgrounds living in Scotland and so we ran a small consultation. The consultation (survey and discussion board) closed on 20th November and a report written and presented to the Scottish Executive.

The Young Scot survey carried out in support of the One Scotland campaign found:

• The overwhelming majority thought it was unacceptable to be impolite or verbally offensive to people from other ethnic backgrounds; to speak negatively about people from different ethnic backgrounds to your family and friends in private or; to using derogatory terms when talking about foods and shops
• The majority agreed that there is prejudice in Scotland against people from a minority ethnic background
• The majority had heard people make racist comments
• Over a quarter reported that they felt they had been a victim of racist abuse, verbal or physical, because of their nationality, skin colour, racial, ethnic or cultural background

Former Communities Minister - Rhona Brankin

As part of the launch for a new phase of One Scotland Many Cultures campaign advertising the former Communities Minister Rhona Brankin met with Young Scot members in Glasgow (26th Jan) to discuss the issues and the consultation.

Former Communities Minister Rhona Brankin said: “The voice of young people on this issue is essential. If we are to rid our society of this negative, disgraceful prejudice, young people must understand its impact and challenge others in society, including their peers, to stand up and speak out.

“Though not a comprehensive study into young people’s attitudes, those taking part in this Young Scot One Scotland consultation have been honest in their views and some have acknowledged that perhaps there have been times when they behaved in a manner which is racist.

“We have always said that changing attitudes and behaviour is a tough challenge which can’t be achieved overnight. It is encouraging to hear that young people agree that racism is unacceptable but we must continue to do more in order to challenge the racism which still takes place in Scotland.

“I hope that this phase of advertising, which so clearly echoes the very points made by those questioned in the survey, keeps the message on the agenda and shows our young people that we will continue to challenge racism so that the society they are part of and are growing up in is one which respects, values and protects the diversity of all its people.”

Consultation Report

If you would like to read the full consultation report click on the Summary Report link (over there on the right)

Prize Draw Winners

The winners of the iPod nanos were....

• May Yuk from Glasgow
• Sarah-Louise from Midlothian.