Connecting Scotland and the world
Awardees announced for Scottish Connections Fund
The Scottish Cultural Outreach Foundation is a successful recipient of this year’s Scottish Connections Fund.
Launched by the Scottish Government in 2023, the Scottish Connections Fund is designed to support new initiatives led by those in Scotland’s diaspora, which build on the country’s international networks and promote Scotland’s reputation and interests around the world.
Sounds of Scotland: Enhancing Florida Music Education with Scottish Traditions is one of eleven projects that has been awarded a grant to support its work to bring awareness to children about Scottish cultural heritage through music, language, and storytelling, fostering a deeper appreciation of Scotland’s traditions, history, and diaspora connections.
The eleven projects will receive a share of £49,996, with £5,000 being the maximum given to any individual project. This year’s funding round attracted 65 applications from across six continents.
“Our work is vital because we are planting the seeds of cultural awareness at a young age, helping children recognize and appreciate their Scottish heritage. It’s essential to provide them with opportunities to engage in Scotland’s rich traditions—whether through Highland dance, bagpiping, fiddle music, or historical exploration. Rather than waiting for them to seek us out, we must bring these experiences directly to where they are, ensuring Scotland’s cultural connections are accessible and inspiring for future generations.”
Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs Angus Robertson said:
“We know that millions of people around the world cherish their connections with Scotland, and we are grateful for the work of people and organisations who do so much to strengthen these links. The projects who have been successful in this pilot round demonstrate the vibrancy and diversity of Scotland’s international communities, and the dedication that the members of our diaspora have to honouring their Scottish connections.”
Background
- The Scottish Connections Fund was established in 2023 to help Scottish diaspora organisations and communities and their individual members further the aims of the Scottish Connections Framework.
- The Scottish Connections Framework is the Scottish Government’s cross-cutting approach to diaspora engagement. It outlines the work of Scottish Government and partners to engage with Scotland’s diaspora around the world – whether they are connected through heritage, education, business or any other affinity. The Framework can be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-connections-framework/
- The fund supports initiatives including (but not limited to) community projects, seminars and conferences, hackathons and workshops, and academic research. Projects that set the scene for longer-term initiatives are also eligible.
- 65 applications were received for the 2024-25 Scottish Connections Fund.
- Projects selected for funding are worth a combined total of £49,996. Grants will be paid in arrears on completion of the projects.
- A full list of the successful projects can be found at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-connections-fund-successful-applicants/
Project Summary
The Sounds of Scotland: Enhancing Florida Music Education with Scottish Traditions project successfully achieved its objectives of introducing Scottish musical traditions into Florida music education. Through our presence at the Florida Music Educators’ Conference, we connected with hundreds of music teachers who were overwhelmingly excited about the free lesson plans and educational resources provided. The materials emphasized Scottish musical instruments, singing styles, Scots dialect, Scots Gaelic, and storytelling through music—deepening cultural appreciation among students and teachers alike.
Our engagement exceeded expectations, as we distributed educational materials and built strong connections with educators interested in implementing Scottish music and cultural heritage lessons in their classrooms. Through hands-on demonstrations and discussions, we highlighted the role of music in Scotland’s history and traditions, ensuring that teachers felt confident incorporating these lessons into their curriculum.