Italo-Scottish Research Cluster

About us

The Italo-Scottish Research Cluster (ISRC) aims to study Italian immigration in Scotland and promote relations between Scotland and Italy.

ISRC logo

Italy is one of the great migrant nations of modern times. Millions left Italy after Unification and during the World Wars. To date, Italo-Scottish history has only partly been written and Italo-Scottish heritage has never been systematically archived or developed for public engagement initiatives.

Through the ISRC we propose to make this rich heritage not just available but also productive in both the scholarly and the wider community. This will be achieved through an innovative approach to multimedia conservation resulting in an Online Archive produced in collaboration with the creative industries and comprising new commissioned work in the form of experimental documentaries and plays.

Partners

The project brings together Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh University, Glasgow University, Strathclyde University, Dundee University, St. Andrews University and Aberdeen University.

Partners from the wider cultural sector include Stills Gallery and Cultural Documents.

Acknowledgements

Stage One of the ISRC is funded through a Large Research Grant by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland (2012-2013).

Carnegie Trust website

Preliminary work on the ISRC was funded through a one-off donation by the John Di Ciacca Fellowship in Italian Diaspora Studies (2011-2012):

The John Di Ciacca Postdoctoral Fellowship

The scheme was established in 2011, as part of the Nicola Benedetti Scholarship Fund:

The Nicola Benedetti Scholarship Fund

We thank all those who are encouraging and supporting our work, including the Italian Consulate General and the Italian Cultural Institute in Edinburgh, The National Archives of Scotland, the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the Italian Embassy in London.

ISRC Volunteers