Foreword

On behalf of the Scottish Centre for Diaspora Studies I wish to extend a very warm welcome to all those attending this major conference.

The global migrations of the Scottish people over the centuries is a fascinating and important subject and as such fully deserves consideration by some of the best historical minds in the field, not least in this crucial year of the Referendum on the future of the nation.

I therefore hope you will agree that we have assembled a world class group of scholars to address you over the next two days or so, on a series of stimulating topics and questions.

Our objective is to present cutting-edge research in an accessible fashion and at the same time open up arguments, controversies and the clash of ideas in this exciting and dynamic area of study.

The event could not have taken place without the generous financial support of the Scottish Government. I am most grateful for their help and in particular to Ms Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs. Our partnership with National Museums Scotland ensured that the lectures and discussions could take place in the congenial surroundings of the Museum of Scotland. I therefore also wish to thank the Director of NMS, Dr Gordon Rintoul, and his colleagues for facilitating this association. Please enjoy!

I am delighted that the Scottish Government is supporting the Scottish Centre for Diaspora Studies conference. With a high calibre of speakers and a variety of sessions, I have no doubt that delegates will take part in thought provoking and stimulating discussion. This is a great opportunity to bring together our learning from history and to ensure future generations are inspired by Scotland's emigrant past.

The assortment of topics is also sure to provide the audience with a fascinating insight into Scotland's contribution to the modern world.

It is entirely fitting that the conference should be included in the Homecoming Scotland 2014, in a year when we welcome the world to join our celebrations including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

2014 is a year when Scotland takes global centre stage for a number of reasons. I look forward to the conference during this exciting year and hearing the captivating discussions that will be generated from the speakers and audiences alike.