The journey to Stornoway for Refugee Week was both professionally enriching and memorable. From 11–13 June 2026, BEMIS Scotland’s Danny Boyle (Executive Director) and Dr. Justina Obaoye-Ajala (Capacity Development and Human Rights Training Officer) travelled to the Outer Hebrides to engage with local stakeholders, refugee communities, and partners in a celebration of belonging, inclusion, and community cohesion.
Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, the Hebridean Refugee Festival brought together communities from across the islands to celebrate diversity, strengthen connections, and create meaningful dialogue around the experiences of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. As people around the world unite through the excitement of the World Cup, the festival highlighted a similar truth: that human connection, much like sport, has the power to bring people together across cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Exploring the Hebrides: Understanding Place and Community
The visit provided an opportunity not only to engage with local communities but also to experience the rich history, culture, and landscapes that shape life in the Outer Hebrides. From the Garry Bridge and Tolsta on the Isle of Lewis to the breathtaking landscapes of Lochs, Aline, Scaladale, Bunavoneader, and Tarbert on the Isle of Harris, the journey offered valuable insights into the geography and realities of island life.
A particular highlight was visiting the world-renowned Callanish Stones, often described as an ancient centre of power and one of Scotland’s most significant prehistoric monuments. Standing among these remarkable stones served as a powerful reminder of the enduring stories, journeys, and connections that have shaped communities across generations.
Listening to Local Voices
Throughout the visit, BEMIS met with a range of local stakeholders including representatives from COSLA, ESOL services, local police, elected councillors, and community organisations. Discussions explored the experiences of refugee communities in the Outer Hebrides and reflected many of the challenges seen elsewhere in Scotland, albeit through the unique lens of island life.
Conversations highlighted both opportunities and barriers. While the Outer Hebrides is widely regarded as a welcoming place for refugees and people seeking sanctuary, challenges remain around isolation, limited transport links, access to services, and the reality that island communities can sometimes feel overlooked within national strategic frameworks.
Recent anti-immigration and racist incidents reported elsewhere in the UK were also discussed, alongside their impact on refugee communities. Participants reflected on the importance of proactive community engagement, strong local leadership, and ensuring that refugees feel safe, supported, and valued within their communities.
Equally important were conversations with members of the refugee community themselves. Refugees shared powerful stories of welcome, belonging, and friendship within the islands, while also speaking candidly about the practical challenges of living in geographically remote communities.
Launching the Hebridean Refugee Festival
The festival officially launched at Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway with opening remarks from The Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Kenny MacLeod, and a welcome from Murtaza Barlas, Founder of the Hebridean Refugee Community.
The launch event featured a panel discussion and open dialogue session entitled “Shared Shores, Shared Stories- Belonging, Community and New Beginnings”, facilitated by Dr. Justina Obaoye-Ajala on behalf of BEMIS Scotland.
The distinguished panel brought together diverse perspectives and expertise:
- Frishta Matin – Hebridean Refugee Community
- Frances Murray – Councillor
- Gayle Findlay – Policy Manager, COSLA
- Danny Boyle – Director, BEMIS Scotland
- Graeme Millar – Commissioning Services Manager, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
The discussion explored themes of identity, integration, community cohesion, and the role of local and national stakeholders in creating welcoming communities.
A recurring message throughout the discussion was that culture is not static; it evolves and grows through interaction, understanding, and shared experiences. Education was identified as a key driver for challenging misconceptions, promoting inclusion, and strengthening community relationships.
The conversation consistently returned to the themes of belonging and welcome in the Hebrides. One particularly memorable reflection from the panel captured the spirit of the event:
“It is not where you are born, but who you stand with.”
Panel members also highlighted the role of COSLA and local authorities in supporting refugee integration across Scotland, while emphasising that successful integration begins with recognising our shared humanity.
In keeping with the World Cup theme running throughout the festival, football emerged as a powerful symbol of connection. Panellists reflected on how sport has a unique ability to bring people together irrespective of race, culture, language, or background, creating opportunities for friendship, participation, and mutual understanding.
The Power of Dialogue
While the panel discussion generated thoughtful insights, it was the open dialogue session that truly captured the spirit of the event.
Using a relatable community scenario, audience members were invited to reflect on themes of belonging, inclusion, identity, and shared responsibility. Participants openly shared their experiences, perspectives, concerns, and hopes for their communities.
The conversation was lively, respectful, and deeply engaging. Residents, community representatives, refugees, and service providers all contributed, creating a space where different experiences could be heard and valued.
The discussions demonstrated that meaningful community cohesion is not built through policies alone but through conversations, relationships, and opportunities for people to connect as equals.
Looking Ahead
The visit to Stornoway reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that refugee voices are heard in every part of Scotland, including rural and island communities. It also highlighted the resilience of refugee communities and the commitment of local partners working to create inclusive and welcoming environments.
Most importantly, Refugee Week in the Outer Hebrides demonstrated that belonging is not simply about where we come from. It is about the relationships we build, the communities we create, and the values we choose to uphold together.
As the festival continues to grow, the message remains clear: when communities come together to listen, learn, and celebrate one another, everyone benefits.
The Hebridean Refugee Festival was a powerful reminder that shared stories create stronger communities and that, whether through dialogue, culture, or even football, there is always more that unites us than divides us.