Eden Court was alive with colour, conversation and community as over 200 people came together for “Sharing Food, Sharing Languages” on the final day of Refugee Week Scotland.
The event, organised by Highland Council’s Adult Learning team in partnership with refugee and migrant learners, offered a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity and connection.
Refugee Week is the UK’s biggest arts and culture festival focused on the contributions and resilience of people seeking sanctuary.
This year’s theme, “milestones,” was beautifully honoured in Inverness through music, movement, storytelling and shared plates.
From the first moment, there was a sense of warmth and welcome, as New Scots and host communities mingled and shared experiences across cultures and generations.
Attendees were treated to stirring performances from Cheryl Heggie’s Highland dancers and the Mriya Ukrainian Children’s Choir from Aberdeen, whose heartfelt songs added depth and joy to the day.
Workshops ran throughout the event, inviting people to explore everything from Ukrainian embroidery to traditional scripts and alphabets.
Families gathered for a multicultural Storytime, while language tasters gave everyone a chance to try Pashto, Dari, Arabic, Ukrainian and Turkish led by native speakers.
Learners from across Highland communities took to the stage to share personal stories, poetry and songs.
It was a chance to showcase their journeys, their heritage and their pride in front of a room that truly listened.
Food brought the celebration full circle, with a rich spread of traditional dishes from Ukraine, Eritrea, South Sudan and Afghanistan.
It was not only delicious, but a joyful reminder of the universal power of sharing a meal.
Lucy McGlennon, Head of Engagement at Eden Court, said the day captured the spirit of inclusion the venue strives for.
“It was a moment of great pride to see so many cultures represented through delicious foods, national dress and through song, dance and poetry,” she said.
“Eden Court is for everyone, and it is important to us that people of all cultures feel that they are welcome here.”
Highland Council’s Learning for Life programme, part of Community Learning and Development, supports a wide range of adult learning activities from English language to digital skills all designed to empower individuals and strengthen communities.
“Sharing Food, Sharing Languages” showed just how powerful that mission can be.
