First Minister John Swinney on Scottish Interfaith Week 2024

First Minister John Swinney shares his thoughts on the importance of Scottish Interfaith Week and celebrating Scotland’s diversity.

“As it has done for 20 years, Scottish Interfaith Week brings people from across Scotland together. To recognise and better understand the important role our faith communities play in cultivating a diverse, inclusive and cohesive society.

“The theme for this year’s Scottish Interfaith Week is ‘Discovery’. Encouraging us all to find out more about the diversity of cultures, beliefs and value systems that can be found across Scotland, and which enrich our communities. The great variety of events taking place over Interfaith Week offer many opportunities for discovery. I know that everyone taking part will gain a deeper understanding of the many things our diverse communities have in common, from shared challenges to shared hopes.

“So I would like to thank Interfaith Scotland, as well as Scotland’s faith communities themselves, for your work in promoting community compassion and unity. Twenty years of Interfaith Week is a cause for celebration so please enjoy the festivities, the new friendships formed and the excellent conversations.”

Scottish Interfaith Week is a community-led festival held across Scotland every November to celebrate the nation’s religious and cultural diversity.

This year the festival takes place from Monday 11th November to Monday 18th November, 2024.

Find an event near you: Events programme for 2024.