Notes From The Smoking Area

While politicians from both sides tell us how to feel about immigration, there’s a truth being lived by actual people.

My truth?

Immigrants are saving this fucking country.

I am a proud Scot.

Genuinely.

I love being Scottish. I think we have a rich culture, a beautiful country, and more importantly, a kind of built-in understanding of community.

Tolerance. Respect. Neighbourly love.

And yes, it sounds a bit trite.

But it’s true.

Scots have been failed by Westminster governments for generations, so we’ve learned how to rely on each other.

That’s part of who we are.

But what makes Scotland richer – far richer – is how many people from around the world choose to make it their home.

And I get it.

Scotland is class.

But it’s more than that.

Living alongside people from different cultures has made me a better person.

It expands your mind.

It makes you more open – not just to other people, but to different versions of yourself.

And while millionaires on the news tell you to fear your neighbours, their own kids are off travelling the world “finding themselves”.

Funny that.

Since moving to Edinburgh, I’ve lived and worked alongside people from Argentina, Ukraine, Norway, South Africa, Australia, Palestine, Iran, Ireland, Slovakia, China.

Friends. Flatmates. Colleagues. Classmates. Neighbours.

People who have shaped me.

People who have supported me.

People who have loved me.

People who were born on the other side of the world.

And somehow, we ended up here -sharing space, sharing stories, sharing life.

That feels quite profound.

A genuine privilege of the modern age.

So when you’re told to be angry – to be afraid- to see these people as something other than your neighbours…

Look at your actual life.

Because in mine, immigration hasn’t taken anything away.

It’s given me more than I can properly articulate.

And I’m grateful for that.

As difficult as things may be. I live in hope, that Scotland will show itself to be the country I know it is.

A country built on tolerance, solidarity and kindness.

Not a society changed by divisive voices, persuaded to distrust those we already live alongside.

The fabric of Scotland’s story is woven from the lives of those who came to this country not only to better their lives, but ours too.