The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of the National Agency for Erasmus+.
In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would join the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland, said: “Erasmus+ offers a major funding boost to support Scotland’s place at the heart of cross-European cooperation on youth and learning opportunities.
“As the National Agency for Erasmus+, we will work closely with the Department for Education, the Scottish Government and the European Commission to make the most of the opportunities of the programme for Scotland.
“Erasmus+ has a proven track record in changing lives, opening up learning experiences, providing insight into cultures, and nurturing global citizenship.
“We know from stakeholders across higher education, schools, technical and vocational education and training, and sport how valuable the programme will be in Scotland. It offers enormous benefit to people from a wide range of backgrounds, helping to build skills, confidence, an international outlook and lifelong connections to European peers.”
The British Council is set to take on the role of National Agency for Erasmus+.
Erasmus+ opens new opportunities for people from across the UK to gain knowledge and experience by studying, training or working abroad.
The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014–20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK’s cultural relations activities.
During that period, the programme enabled over 37,635 young people, students and staff from Scotland to study, train or volunteer overseas, including 10,831 in higher education, 8,285 in schools, 8,865 in vocational education and training, and 3,867 in youth programmes. Scottish organisations also led 503 Erasmus+ projects.
In total, Erasmus+ funding in Scotland amounted to approximately €142 million, supporting higher education (€84.51 million), vocational education and training (€29.79 million), schools (€13.82 million), adult education (€8.54 million) and youth (€5.17 million).
Scottish organisations and institutions can find out more and register for updates on Erasmus+ opportunities at www.britishcouncil.org/erasmusplus
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its fifth year, pupils across Scotland are forming friendships with Ukrainian classmates through the UK-Ukraine School Partnerships programme.
Pupils at Elgin Academy in Moray and Papa Westray primary school in Orkney are among 130 schools from across the UK and Ukraine taking part in the British Council initiative, funded by the UK Government, which connects schools through shared reading, creative projects and regular online exchanges designed to build empathy, resilience and global awareness.
At Elgin Academy, the S2 class of 29 pupils, aged 13–14, is now collaborating with a school in the Poltava region. The partnership has special significance at Elgin, located near RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland’s largest RAF base where many pupils come from military families.
The classes have exchanged letters, researched Remembrance Day traditions in both countries, created giant sunflowers with messages, and in January, introduced their Ukrainian friends to Robert Burns.
The class voted to share the novel “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds, only later realising the main character loves sunflower seeds, Ukraine’s national symbol. The partnership has been particularly meaningful for two Ukrainian pupils in the class, who have enjoyed speaking their own language with the Ukrainian students during video calls.
School librarian Shelagh Toonen applied for the programme following a conversation at the Edinburgh Book Festival, when a Ukrainian pupil spoke about family losses during the war.
She said: “From that experience, I thought we could probably do an awful lot more. When I saw the opportunity through the British Council, I thought it would be a great way to develop a working relationship with Ukraine and share our love of reading.”
Shelagh travelled to Poland last September to meet partner teacher Katia.
She explained: “When I met Katia, I realised they don’t have a library the way that we do.She was nearly in tears when she saw that I was gifting her some books, they have to rely on sponsors to buy books for them at the moment.”
Image: (Pupils from Elgin Academy S2 class working with their chosen book ‘Ghost’ for their Ukraine school partnership)
The video sessions have been tempered with difficulties including air raid sirens and power cuts, moments that have brought the reality of war into the Elgin classroom. Shelagh explained that their partner school is on the front line, operating under a “three bells warning” system – when sirens sound, pupils must move to shelter for online learning.
“Our pupils have definitely developed a lot of empathy throughout the project,” Shelagh said. “They’ve had a kind of gradual awakening and have come to realise what a privilege coming into school every day is.”
Neil Johnson, Head Teacher at Elgin Academy added: “In Scotland, young people’s exposure to current affairs now is very limited, and the conflict has been going on for so long that for many of them, it’s just background noise.
“This partnership makes it real and gives it a focus for our pupils.”
On Papa Westray, one of Orkney’s most remote islands and Scotland’s smallest school in the programme, Head Teacher Tim Ross leads weekly Friday morning video calls between his six pupils, aged 6–8, and eight children at Voinivskyi Lyceum in Ukraine.
The programme comes at a meaningful time for the Papay school, which after welcoming another family late last year, currently has two Ukrainian families within the school community. For them, learning about the partnership was a welcome surprise.
Tim said: “It’s been lovely to tell them about the close link we now have with the Ukrainian school. You could see their faces light up when I mentioned the project, and it demonstrates our support and interest in their experience and background.
“The children in the school have already developed a strong, supportive kindness toward Ukraine because of their friends at the school.” He said, “Even at this young age, they recognise that we’ve got friends here who’ve had to leave their home because of the war.”
Tim Ross (R), Head teacher at Papa Westray Primary School, meeting with Ukrainian counterpart Svitlana from their Ukrainian partner school during their meeting in Poland, in 2025
As part of the partnership, Tim has invited one of the Ukrainian parents to teach the whole class some basic Ukrainian phrases, using an approach that links to their daily phonics learning. He said: “It’s a great exercise for the children in experiencing another culture, listening, and sharing language, it’s also been a great way to connect the programme to our wider community.”
“The calls work best when we’re sharing fun visual learning and finding out about our shared experiences and interests,” Tim said.
“We’re proud of our friendship with Ukraine. This whole programme is about being supportive, none of these children are at fault for what’s happening, and we want to give them something positive to look forward to each week.”
Power cuts on Papa Westray can knock out electricity for six hours at a time, giving the island community an unexpected understanding of the disruptions faced by their Ukrainian partners.
Tim said: “We’ve had to miss some planned activities because of the difficulties they’re facing in Ukraine with power cuts, and the air raids. It really brings home the challenges they’re dealing with.
“But what’s been amazing is how energised both classes are about the Friday sessions. I think this regular connection has become as important for the class in Ukraine as it has for ours.”
The school has matching sets of picture books from Scotland’s Read Write Count with the First Minister scheme, which Tim gifted to the Ukrainian school during his training trip to Poland. Each week, both classes pick a book, read it in their own classrooms, and share creative activities on their video call.
Since January 2025, the UK-Ukraine School Partnerships programme has involved 130 schools across the UK and Ukraine, supporting approximately 23,400 young people. It is now expanding to reach a further 300 schools, with an estimated 54,000 pupils expected to benefit.
Speaking about the programme, Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland said: “With the conflict in Ukraine now entering its fifth year, this programme has helped build something very important, lasting connections between young people in Scotland and Ukraine, grounded in shared stories and friendship.
“These partnerships are a wonderful example of what the programme is all about, and the children are discovering that despite the distance and the challenges, they have far more in common than they might have imagined.
“Applications for the next round of the programme are now open, and I’d encourage schools across Scotland to get involved; it’s a meaningful opportunity to build international connections that will stay with young people for the rest of their lives.”
Schools and teachers interested in joining the programme can apply before the deadline on 2 March. To find out more, please visit:
The Scottish Government will partner with the British Council to undertake a scoping exercise exploring the establishment of a dedicated Export Service for Scotland’s arts and culture sectors.
The project, running from December 2025 to May 2026, will examine the challenges and opportunities facing Scottish cultural organisations and artists in accessing international markets, identify gaps in current support, and develop recommendations for a new service to boost cultural exports.
This exercise is part of the Scottish Government’s International Culture Strategy action plan and follows increased calls from across Scotland’s cultural sectors for enhanced support in navigating post-Covid-19 and post-Brexit challenges.
The music sector has been active with the STUC, Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Committee, and the Scottish Music Industry Association all calling for dedicated export support.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “As part of our International Culture Strategy, we continue to explore how best to support cultural export and exchange and help our culture and creative sectors to realise their potential on the international stage.
“British Council Scotland works across all art forms but doesn’t represent any specific sector, ensuring they give us the independent, evidence-based recommendations we need. They’ll also bring valuable international perspective by examining how other countries support cultural export, helping us learn from best practice models around the world.”
Norah Campbell, Head of Arts at British Council Scotland, added:“Supporting the international ambitions of the Scottish arts sector is at the heart of the British Council’s work.
“Cultural export is complex, sophisticated, and different art forms have very different needs. Some sectors for example require access to international galleries and major markets for showcasing opportunities that springboard international work, while others involve design and product export.
“This scoping exercise will engage with the Scottish cultural sector to understand these varied challenges and needs. We’re keen to hear from artists, organisations and practitioners across all disciplines. This input will be crucial in shaping recommendations that truly reflect what the sector needs to succeed internationally.”
The research will actively engage with Scotland’s cultural sectors through surveys, consultation groups, and in-depth interviews beginning in early 2026 and artists, agents, promoters, managers, and organisations across all art forms will have opportunities to share their experiences and expertise to help inform the recommendations.
Key art sector development organisations and international initiatives including Craft Scotland, Publishing Scotland, Made in Scotland, Showcase Scotland, the Scottish Music Industry Association will be consulted, alongside interviews with established cultural export services in other countries.
The study will deliver:
Analysis of export support needs across Scotland’s culture and creative sectors, mapping existing initiatives and identifying which sub-sectors could benefit most
Comparative analysis of cultural export support models from other countries
Recommendations on service functions and how they would relate to existing Scottish and UK organisations
Delivery model options appraisal
Cost estimates for establishing a pilot and/or full service
The British Council will work with specialist researchers to roll out surveys, analyse data, and draw international comparisons. The findings from the research and report will help inform the Scottish Government’s decisions on future support for cultural export and exchange.
A final report will be shared in the summer of 2026.
Supported by the British Council, Scottish musician RuMac is in India this week bringing the accordion to thousands of people at Hornbill festival, one of India’s largest cultural festivals
Originally from Ullapool, Ruairidh Maclean, a singer-songwriter who performs as RuMac, took to the main stage at the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland this week (Tuesday 02 December), where the United Kingdom is this year’s Country Partner for the festival.
RuMac’s performance at Hornbill marks his first visit to India. Following his festival appearance, he performed at the historic Tollygunge Club in Kolkata (Thursday, 4 December).
Nicknamed the “Festival of Festivals”, the 10-day Hornbill Festival is celebrating its 26th year and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. It is India’s largest celebration of tribal heritage, with audiences given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions, music, and folklore of the Naga people.
RuMac began his solo set in front of a large projection of the Scottish flag, bringing a blend of traditional Scottish folk, Gaelic song, and a mix of genres to the Hornbill stage. Known for high-energy performances that move from traditional accordion playing to heavy rock, he has built a reputation as a unique live act that went down well with the large crowd.
RuMac said he felt proud to showcase Scottish culture internationally and saw parallels between Highland and Naga folk traditions, saying: ““I’m thrilled to be performing in India for the first time, in a part of theworld I’ve never had the chance to visit before.
“I didn’t know how the performance would go as the accordion is quite a weird instrument! but the crowd have made me feel at home and it was brilliant.
“I’m especially looking forward to my show in Kolkata and to bring a little bit of The Highlands of Scotland along with me; hopefully they’ll like what I do! Slàinte!”
Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland, said:“It’s been brilliant to follow RuMac’s journey to Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival, which is such a significant moment in the Indian cultural calendar.
“His performance shows how music can bridge cultures and continents and we’re proud to create platforms for Scottish musicians to find new global audiences.”
The British Council has brought UK artists to Hornbill in previous editions, with the festival creating opportunities for musicians to connect with audiences and experience the rich musical traditions of Nagaland, a region whose folk heritage resonates strongly with Scotland’s own.
The visit forms part of the British Council’s ongoing work to foster cultural connections between the UK and India, creating opportunities for artists from both regions to share their work and develop new collaborations.
It continues the British Council’s work, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts and education.
More than 100 pupils from 13 schools transformed into world leaders at the University of Edinburgh last week, engaging in high-stakes climate crisis negotiations to mirror the upcoming UN COP30 conference in Belém, Brazil.
In a United Nations debate simulation organised by the British Council in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and Learning for Sustainability Scotland, students experienced firsthand the complex challenges of international climate diplomacy.
Using cutting-edge simulation software developed by MIT, the pupils took on roles as delegates from major nations, corporate lobbyists, and international media representatives, all working to tackle the critical goal of keeping global warming below 1.5°C.
During the negotiations, the pupils had to collectively agree on how much to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, how they would help struggling nations, and agree on ways to adapt to climate change to protect their cities and people.
Leading the negotiations were pupils Siri Isaksson-Galbraith and Alyssa Haston, from West Calder High School who shared the role of the United Nations Secretariat (top).
Speaking in their role as UN Secretary Generals, they had a message for world leaders ahead of COP30 in Brazil:“Today in Edinburgh, we’ve experienced firsthand how difficult climate negotiations can be, but also how essential they are. We’ve learned that every country has different challenges, but we all share the same planet and the same future.
“The decisions being made at COP30 will shape our lives, our communities, and our world. We urge world leaders to listen to youth voices, to act with urgency, and to remember that compromise doesn’t mean giving up on ambition.
“The climate crisis affects us all, but it doesn’t affect us equally. We must ensure that those most vulnerable are heard and supported. From Scotland to Brazil, young people are ready to lead, but we need action now.”
Did they reach a consensus?
The challenge was to negotiate between countries to keep warming under 2°C by the end of the century, and to aim for under 1.5°C. By the end of the debate, pupils collectively agreed to keep global warming at 1.6°C, just over the mark of the Paris Agreement target. This means they were over the target, but made headway with strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support nations, and develop adaptation measures to protect cities and people.
The debate simulation was led by climate expert Professor Pete Higgins, Chair in Outdoor, Environmental and Sustainability Education at the University of Edinburgh.
Speaking at the event, Professor Pete Higgins said:“Today’s debate couldn’t be more timely. We’re living through a period of significant political uncertainty, which makes climate diplomacy more complex than ever.
“What impressed me most was how quickly these young people grasped the competing priorities and difficult trade-offs involved, whilst maintaining their determination to find common ground.
“Young people often feel powerless when it comes to climate change, but events like this show that they have both the understanding and the diplomatic skills to navigate these challenges. My hope is that the negotiators at COP30 will show the same wisdom and commitment to meaningful action that these young citizens have demonstrated today.”
Claire de Braekeleer, Director British Council Scotlandadded: “This UN debate simulation puts young people in Scotland at the heart of the global climate debate.
“As COP30 starts in Belém next week, these pupils are gaining crucial insights into how these climate negotiations work. They are also building the diplomatic skills and understanding that will be vital for the international cooperation we desperately need.
“We believe that young people are the key to driving positive climate action, and today demonstrates how collaborating globally with empathy and understanding is the way forward.”
The simulation was part of the British Council’s Schools Connect programme, which aims to bring international perspectives into the curriculum. Students engaged in realistic debates, negotiated complex agreements, and balanced competing interests of nations.
Through the Climate Connection programme, the British Council is also supporting people globally to find creative solutions to climate change in support of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil.
The British Council is supporting the summit by engaging with networks of education professionals, students, academics, researchers, artists, civil society leaders and policymakers to participate in meaningful dialogue and bring about real change for our planet.
This initiative continues the work of the British Council’s Schools Connect programme for schools in the UK and around the world, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching.
For more information about the British Council’s work in Scotland, visit:
Initiative will provide vital support and creative sanctuary for artists from conflict-affected regions
The British Council, in partnership with Arts Council England, Creative Scotland and Arts Council of Wales/Wales Arts International, today announces the launch of a major new residency programme designed to support artists and cultural professionals whose work has been impacted by war and conflict.
The programme will see nine artists and cultural professionals from Lebanon, Yemen, Palestine, and Ukraine undertake residencies at leading cultural institutions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The initiative builds upon a successful pilot project held in Scotland in 2023 during the UK/Ukraine Season of Culture, which was delivered by the British Council in partnership with Creative Scotland and Ukrainian Institute.
Starting this month and running until July 2026, the residencies will take place at prominent institutions renowned for their expertise in supporting artists across diverse art forms, from contemporary art to literature and film.
Each residency will last between four and twelve weeks, tailored to meet the specific requirements of both the host organisation and the visiting creative professional.
The programme aims to provide creative practitioners from countries affected by war and conflict with essential quiet time, care, and connections within the UK cultural sector.
This support is designed not only to nurture their individual practice and build their networks, but also to strengthen the communities they work with in their home countries.
Host organisations participating in the programme include Ulster University/Belfast Film Festival (Northern Ireland); Llenyddiaeth Cymru | Literature Wales (Wales); Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (Scotland); Cove Park (Scotland); Moniack Mhor (Scotland); Pier Arts Centre (Orkney Island, Scotland); Delfina Foundation (England); ACME Studios (England); and Baltic Centre for Contemporary ArtEngland).
The programme also offers host organisations a valuable opportunity to expand their understanding of new cultural contexts, demonstrate solidarity with fellow artists, and develop expertise in supporting colleagues working under extremely challenging conditions.
It also helps connect participants to the wider arts sector, offering fresh insights that can spark new collaborations – benefiting not only the individuals involved but also enriching the host institutions and the sector more broadly.
This initiative reflects the British Council’s commitment to supporting international cultural exchange and providing support for artists whose creative work continues despite the pressures of conflict and displacement.
Artist Yasmine Rifaii, who will be hosted at Cove Park, said: “I have been craving distance from the noise of cities for a while now, so that I may sit with myself and let my thoughts brew into formation.
“The Cove Park residency came at the right time. I look forward to immersing myself with both the silence of nature, and the presence of fellow artists seeking the same experience.”
Anastasiya Gruba, who will be hosted by Ulster University, said: “This residency gives me the opportunity to complete a new version of the script for my tragicomic feature film Women Suicide Season, which I hope will be my feature directorial debut.
“I’m especially excited that the Belfast Film Festival will take place during my stay – it’s a wonderful chance to connect with the Northern Irish film community and international industry professionals.
“And I must admit, I’ve always dreamed of seeing the stunning landscapes of the Emerald Isle firsthand! There’s so much to do, and I can’t wait to dive in.
“I’m truly grateful to the British Council, Belfast Film Festival, and Ulster University for making this possible.”
Tania Rodionova, who will be hosted by Literature Wales, said: “Being a cultural manager doesn’t always allow for having time and space for my personal creative work. And life in Ukraine during the war time makes it even harder.
“So, my expectations for the residency in Ty Newydd is mainly to have this special space however my professional interest in local literature organisations and future cooperation opportunities cannot be ignored!”
Ruth Mackenzie, Director of Arts at the British Council said: “This residency programme recognises that supporting these artists and creatives is about building bridges across our global arts community and contributing to peace and prosperity.
“Just as the British Council was established in 1934 to support artists and creatives in countries across the world in the face of political danger, we continue this mission today. This programme provides space for artistic practice while strengthening the communities these artists support and nourish in their home countries.”
Laura Mackenzie-Stuart, Head of International at Creative Scotland said: “We are delighted to continue this residency programme through our on-going partnership with the British Council.
“The pilot programme in 2023 provided vital access to creative opportunity for artists in Ukraine at a time when accessing facilities in their home country was a huge challenge.
“The five selected artists made Scotland their home for a few weeks but left having made friends and colleagues for life. We wish the next (expanded) round of artists the same creative joy and success in their residencies across the UK.”
Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive of Arts Council of Wales, said: “This programme embodies the spirit of collaboration that sits at the heart of Arts Council of Wales’s work, and in terms of international connections, the work of our international arm Wales Arts International.
“Through our partnership with Literature Wales, we’re delighted to take part in this initiative to create a space of care and creative exchange, linking Wales with artists whose stories speak to our shared humanity across borders.
“The residency will give Tania time to develop her practice and share her experiences, while enriching Wales’s own literary community with fresh perspectives on resilience, language and the role of art in uncertain times.”
Simon Mellor, Deputy CEO Arts Council England, said: “Arts Council England is proud to be a partner in this important residency scheme, offering artists coming from places of conflict the opportunity to make new connections and to build new networks of support.
“We are particularly glad to join with our sister agencies in extending this initiative across the whole UK, building a body of relationships between creatives and communities both here and in Ukraine.”
SEEKING a new adventure in 2025? The British Council is on the lookout for people from across Scotland to teach English in one of 10 destinations around the world.
Through their English Language Assistant (ELA) programme, they provide placements in countries including France, Canada and Colombia – giving participants a unique opportunity to teach internationally, develop professional skills, and fully immerse themselves in a new culture for six months to a year.
Language requirements vary between countries, but applicants can be from any walk of life, and do not need a formal language qualification to apply – their language skills can be acquired through travel, private study, or university language courses.
Twenty-four-year-old Ailie Ross-Oliver from Dunblane in Stirlingshire took part in the programme in 2023. She applied in her final year studying Politics at the University of Edinburgh, and got placed in Quebec, Canada.
Speaking about her experience, she said: “I decided to apply to be an ELA as I was really keen to find an opportunity where I could improve my language skills and travel while earning money. This programme seemed like a great opportunity to combine these things.
“I worked in Lévis, a city in eastern Quebec, and lived across the river in Quebec City. My school was a secondary school called Juvenat Notre Dame de Saint Laurent and there I taught students aged 12-16 years old.
“Depending on the class teacher and their preferences, I either prepared a class activity for 30 minutes or took small groups to a side room and ran activities. My activities were designed by me and generally I focused on aspects of culture or adapted games into creative class formats.
“I was pleasantly surprised by how engaged the students were in learning about Scotland, we had a highland games day where students participated in a caber toss, tug of war and other typical highland games activities.”
Ailie, who currently studies at Sciences Po (Paris Institute of Political Studies), believes the programme has significantly enhanced her skills.
She said: “Personally, I really benefited from the experience of living abroad and practicing my French. I am now studying for my masters in France which I previously wouldn’t have had the confidence for. I also got to try out teaching which was a career path I had considered and through this experience I gained great public speaking skills.
“Quebec is a fascinating place and there are so many amazing places with nature and cities to discover. It’s great if you’re looking for a sense of adventure and something a little different.
“Your colleagues will be so interested in the perspectives you have to offer and it’s a great way to get professional experience while working abroad. You’ll also have great opportunities to travel and explore – I went to Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick as well as New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Niagara Falls.
“If you’re considering the programme, I would say 100% take the chance and apply.”
Adam Heron (far right) lived in Paris during his time on the programme
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Adam Heron, who is currently studying for a PhD in music at the University of Glasgow, spent seven months teaching in Paris, France. For him, the ELA programme offered a chance to fulfil his long-standing wish to live and study in a French-speaking country.
He said: “Even though my background is in classical music, I’ve always had a passion for languages, especially French. My studies have meant that I’ve had little opportunity to explore living and studying abroad and I was eager to have new experiences and broaden my horizons. The English Language Assistant programme presented a perfect opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself – both personally and professionally.
“I look back on my time in Paris very positively – the programme provides a lot of valuable opportunities that you may not get otherwise. It gives flexibility, and because you only teach 12 hours a week, there’s plenty of time outside the classroom to learn about the French culture.
“I had wonderful students, very nice colleagues, and it was fantastic to live in such a multicultural, exciting, vibrant city. Outside of teaching I spent my time at the theatres, concertos and museums, galleries, there was just so much to do. I also met a wide range of people, not just from the UK, but from all over the world, and it was a lovely cultural melting pot.
For Adam, the programme has expanded the possibilities for his future career path.
He said: “I come from a very focused, very narrow upbringing in classical music training, which can be very intense and isolating. Going to France through the British Council was something completely different.
“It was very open, diverse and varied and strengthened my language and pedagogical skills. it really gave me a lot of happiness, I think, and confidence. I now have a greater sense of independence, self-sufficiency and social skills.
“I’ve not fully decided what I want to do in the future, but I’m considering taking a CELTA course because I enjoyed teaching so much. With my PhD, I can’t say for sure if or when it will happen, but it’s more about keeping the possibility open.”
Every year, the British Council sends approximately 1,800 assistants from the UK abroad to support the teaching of English in schools, universities, and language centres, and with the programme approaching its 120th anniversary in 2025, it continues to open doors for participants while promoting educational exchange worldwide.
The programme, supported by the Department for Education (DfE), Scottish Government, operates on a reciprocal basis.
Modern Language Assistants from around the globe teach French, German, Italian, and Mandarin across Scotland and the wider UK. In 2024, over 700 Modern Language Assistants were teaching at schools, colleges, and universities across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Participants can be placed in Switzerland as part of the programme.
Speaking about the programme was Peter Brown, Director, British Council Scotland, who was an English Language Assistant in 1982-83. He said: “Applying to be part of the Language Assistant Programme is more than just an opportunity to teach; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in another culture and grow in ways you never imagined.
“Having worked in Hamburg, Germany in the ‘80s, I can honestly say that experience changed my life. It broadened my horizons, deepened my understanding of the world, and gave me skills that have shaped my career ever since.
“I’m passionate about this programme because I know first-hand the incredible impact it can have—not just on the students you teach, but on your own personal and professional journey.
“If you have a passion for languages, exploring new culture, and inspiring others, I encourage you to apply and help make 2025 a year of adventure and new opportunities.”
Applications for the English Language Assistant programme are now open. The deadline to apply is Thursday, 30 January 2025.
For more information andfull eligibility criteria visit:
The English Language Assistant programme continues the British Council’s work, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching.
To find out more about their work in Scotland visit:
• The Cultural Protection Fund has announced 22 new projects, across 10 countries, with a funding total of over £2 million
• The projects will protect cultural heritage at risk from the effects of conflict and/or climate change
• In addition to the Middle East, North and East Africa, the fund will be working in Pakistan and Nepal for the first time, as part of a South Asia pilot programme
The Laetoli footprint site in Tanzania, the oldest unequivocal evidence of human ancestors walking on two feet, is currently at risk of being lost forever due to erosion caused by increasing storms and rainfall.
A new Cultural Protection Fund project led by the University of St. Andrews will address the threats facing the footprint sites through digital documentation, training and community engagement. It will also capture local stories, myths, dance and rituals which are linked to the footprint sites, ensuring that the heritage is permanently preserved and available to future generations.
The Laetoli project is just one of 22 pieces of cultural heritage that will be safeguarded thanks to newly supported projects announced today by the Cultural Protection Fund.
Funding of over £2 million will go towards protecting cultural heritage in Syria, Iraq, Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Uganda, Tanzania and for the first time, Pakistan and Nepal.
Led by the British Council in partnership with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the Cultural Protection Fund is the UK’s main response to international cultural heritage protection.
In addition to working with organisations and communities across 17 countries to protect tangible heritage – such as buildings and archaeological sites – the fund also preserves intangible heritage including music, traditional crafts and languages.
Stephanie Grant, Director of the Cultural Protection Fund at the British Council said: “Since 2016, the Cultural Protection Fund has given grants of over £50 million to 159 projects to protect cultural heritage in 19 countries, but the need for our work has never been greater.
“Last year alone we received funding requests of almost 20 times the budget for our entire current programme. We’re incredibly proud and excited to support new organisations and communities, adding 22 brilliant projects to our portfolio and expanding our work into South Asia.
“These projects will research, document and restore a wide range of valuable cultural heritage and bring together thousands of people to explore and celebrate their cultural identities.
“This is a crucial time for the Cultural Protection Fund as we are in the final year of our current three-year programme. We’re looking forward to sharing the successes and stories of our projects to make a strong case for the future of the fund.”
View of houseboat from the back
Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:“We know that people, wherever they live, take immense pride in their cultural heritage. It is a fundamental part of who we are, which is why it must always be protected so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.
“This year’s successful projects will not only help to protect tangible heritage sites from the effects of conflict, instability and climate change, but also intangible heritage, such as the crafts and customs that are at the beating heart of communities around the world.
“It’s great to see the work of this fund expanding yet again this year, and I look forward to hearing more about the difference it makes to our shared heritage across the globe.”
Newly funded Cultural Protection Fund projects announced today include:
• Mitigation of Present and Future Climate Change Impact on the 3.6 million-years Laetoli Footprint Site and Winde Slaves’ Warehouse along the Tanzanian Coast
The Laetoli footprint site is currently at risk due to erosion caused by increasing storms and rainfall. In Winde, a 19th Century slave warehouse complex faces similar erosion caused by rising sea levels. Both sites will be documented in a project led by the University of St. Andrews.
• The traditional tattoos of Babylon, Iraq: documenting and preserving a threatened heritage
Deg is an endangered custom of tattooing, often used as a way to remember important people and events. As the practice of traditional tattooing declines, this project led by The American Academic Institute in Iraq (TAARI), will document the knowledge of Deg held by its elderly practitioners, to enable greater understanding of the roots of this tradition and its significance and role in local society. The project will focus on the ancient province of Babylon, collecting and documenting images of the tattoos and the stories of the women who wear them, which will be shared in an exhibition in the Museum of Babylon.
• Storytelling as Safeguarding: Protecting South Sudanese Women’s Cultural Heritage in Refugee Settings in Uganda and Kenya
In Uganda and Kenya, South Sudanese women in refugee settings will document folk songs that have been passed down through generations, thanks to a project being led by the Likikiri Collective. These songs document the robust heritage of South Sudanese communities who have migrated to neighbouring countries due to fluctuating conflicts in their region.
• Mosul Maqam
Maqam is an Arabic musical tradition with a highly structured system of melody, poetry and vocal technique that is currently at risk of total loss due to conflict and instability. In a project led by the University of Exeter, this historic art form will be preserved and rejuvenated. It will focus on the musical and lyrical heritage of the city of Mosul, where Maqam is uniquely precious to the local population in the form of folk tales, love stories and spiritual ceremonies. The project will collate, document and digitise records of authentic Maqam practices, inspiring the creation of new musical and visual artworks which will connect future generations in and beyond Mosul with this significant element of Iraq’s cultural heritage.
• Syria Cassette Archives: Three New Collections
Recorded in Syria between the 1950s and 2010s, audio recordings including a wide range of Syrian music-related heritage are currently stored in privately owned archives across the country. Featuring raw folk recordings, live wedding concerts, studio albums, soloists, classical and children’s music, the audio represents decades of Syrian intangible heritage and reflects the lived experience of large numbers of Syrian people.The material is currently at risk due to the effects of conflict in Syria, worsening the physical deterioration of the cassettes as well as causing the displacement of collectors and distributors of the music. As part of this project, the music will be documented, digitalised, recorded and safeguarded for future generations.
• Restoration and Conservation of Ge’ez Manuscripts in War Affected North Gondor and North and South Wollo Zonal Districts
Gospels, hymns, civil law, patristic literature, medicine, magic, astronomy and bibles are just some of the contents of manuscripts written in Ge’ez, a language only fluently used by a small number of priests in some war-affected parts of Ethiopia. The project team from Bahir Dar University will work on conserving manuscript preparation knowledge through providing intergenerational training and workshops in conservation and restoration for the local community.
• #NBOLibraries: New Futures for Kenya’s Archives The McMillan Memorial Library is the oldest library in Nairobi and the second oldest in Kenya. Its contents span Kenya’s colonial and post-colonial history and are of significant value to the country’s culture, heritage and identity. A project led by Book Bunk Trust will build on existing work to preserve and digitise additional endangered collections which include paper, glass film slides, photographs and film reels, while also increasing public engagement by making the library more accessible.
• Protection and Participation: IAAS Archive of Sudanese Intangible Cultural Heritage Over 6000 hours’ worth of historic material is held by the Institute of African and Asian Studies (IAAS) Archive of Sudanese Intangible Cultural Heritage. Much of the material is irreplaceable and, in some cases, it documents intangible cultural heritage that is no longer practised. The collection has been damaged in past conflicts and the current conflict continues to threaten its security. This project led by TransforMedia hopes to conduct remote digitisation to permanently preserve the collection and make it more widely accessible.
• The Khalidi Library
Khalidi Waqf will lead a project to support the preservation of, and efforts to increase public access to East Jerusalem’s written and archaeological heritage, which is at risk due to conflict and instability and climate related changes. The creation of a comprehensive architectural and archaeological study will inform planned future physical interventions to rehabilitate an important cultural centre. A separate intensive programme in the emergency preservation of ancient manuscripts will allow trainees to develop theoretical and practical skills, before applying this learning to safeguarding endangered collections.
• The Protection of Sakiya’s Cultural Heritage Site
Tangible and intangible cultural heritage at a site in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is at risk of loss due to ongoing conflict and instability. Led by Sakiya – Research and Experimental Development, this project will support the ongoing rehabilitation and preservation of the site, through research, documentation and restoration of its ancient Ayyubid architectural features and the mythologies, rituals and practices associated with it. An established education and cultural programme will give the local community opportunities to participate in the creation of visual and performance pieces and to learn new skills in traditional building methods, heritage management and protection.
• Tell Baya’a Mission House Rehabilitation, as a community centre and archaeological site of Tuttul protection
In northern Syria, several structures at the remains of an ancient city in one of the oldest archaeological sites have been severely impacted by the effects of conflict. Damage assessment and consolidation will be carried out by project lead Asociacion RehabiMed on these structures and highly significant artefacts and archaeological materials at risk of being looted will be documented and stored.
Local architects and archaeologists will also be trained in assessment, monitoring and preservation techniques. A number of people living around the site will be trained in traditional building skills before assisting in the rehabilitation of an on-site complex. Upon completion this will provide an invaluable community and civil society resource.
The details of the newly announced Cultural Protection Fund projects in Pakistan are as follows:
• Community-Based Conservation of Silk Route Heritage
Severe weather events caused by climate change are putting the unique architectural features of the 18th century Kharmang Palace and the 600-year-old Gholbasher House in the Yasin Valley at risk. We are supporting Laajverd and partners to work closely with the local communities at both sites to digitally document and repair elements of each building and hold a design residency for Shu craftspeople to help revitalise the practice.
• Preservation of the Late Buddhist rock heritage of Swat – digitization and preventive conservation Seasonal drought and heavy rainfall which cause increased instances of landslides, flash floods and rapid erosion, are endangering the Buddhist rock reliefs and inscriptions of the Swat Valley. The fund is supporting Essanoor Associates to lead a project to include community-based climate change adaptation training for local people to better care for the sites as well as digital documentation of the reliefs and conservation of 30 reliefs requiring urgent intervention.
• The Reading Room – Karachi The Khalikdina Hall and Library is one of only two remaining Reading Rooms in Karachi. Conflict-related instability has led to the building and its collections lacking appropriate management and care. This new round of grants will support Numaish-Karachi to revitalise the space through improved access to the newly conserved and digitised literary assets. They will also provide a range of cultural activities for local communities.
• Digital Heritage Trails Project (DHTP) In the Indus Delta region of Sindh, five endangered maritime archaeological sites are at risk of rising sea levels and erosion as a result of climate change. The Cultural Protection Fund is supporting MartimEA Research to lead a project to document the five sites and develop a digital trail of them across the Delta. Community engagement will capture local knowledge and folklore about the sites and the project will raise awareness of the archaeology locally through outreach activities for schools and museums.
• Preserving & Promoting the Hazara Heritage In Balochistan, where the Hazara community’s intangible cultural heritage is at risk due to the effects of conflict, Faiz Foundation Trust will protect elements of this heritage by documenting it through film and photography. The Trust will also offer capacity building for local artisans in skills associated with the promotion and protection of making kilim (a flat-woven rug or mat), Sawatkari (handmade silver jewellery) and embroidery, while the importance of the heritage will be highlighted through an advocacy and awareness raising programme.
• Manchar Lake Mohanas – Safeguarding the last surviving houseboat village from extinction The living heritage of the Mohana people who live around Manchar Lake, Sindh, is currently at risk due to increasingly severe seasonal drought and flooding brought about by climate change. In this round of grants, the NED University of Engineering and Technology will work with the community to restore all 35 of the remaining Mohana houseboats and will train young volunteers in restoration techniques to keep the way of life of the Mohana alive.
In Nepal, the Cultural Protection Fund projects which are receiving support as part of the South Asia pilot programme are as follows:
• Preservation of Indigenous Food Heritage in Nepal National Indigenous Women’s Federation will deliver this project, which focuses on diverse culinary practices in the highland regions of Nepal. Food heritage, foraging and associated cultural practices are intrinsically connected to the environment; changes in weather patterns including increased drought, heavy rain, and flooding as a result of climate change is severely impacting availability of resources vital to the continuation of this practice. To protect this heritage the project will document and record the indigenous food heritage and practices of communities across several provinces in Nepal. Women are the main carriers of this heritage and will have a leading role in identifying recipes and documenting activities.
• Safeguarding the Kusunda (The Ban Rajas) Language and Culture for Future Generations The Kusunda Language is a distinct and critically endangered language spoken fluently by just a small number of remaining individuals in Bagmati Province, Nepal. The language represents a link to the past for the remaining Kusunda people and has unusual characteristics, including the absence of words for ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The language is therefore irreplaceable if it is lost. The language is at risk of dying out as more Kusunda people move away from the area and lose connection to this important piece of their heritage due to the impact of climate change on their livelihoods and way of life. Through courses for students at local secondary schools and the development of an online learning programme, Archive Nepal and partners hope to increase the speakership of this language and will promote the language further through the production of dual language Nepali and Kusunda books for children.
• Towards Protecting the Cultural Heritage in the High Himalayas of the Shey Phoksundo National Park of Dolpo In the Upper Dolpo region, one of the most remote areas of Nepal, monastic sites, historic settlements, and monuments are at risk of deterioration due to conflict related instability, which impacted traditional management systems to maintain and protect these sites.
• Sampada Samrakshyan Samaj Nepal (ICOMOS Nepal) will work with local government and members of the community to document and improve capacity to care for built heritage that remains an important part of socio-cultural life for the Dolpo community. A training programme in the documentation and condition mapping of built heritage, will address the existing lack of records and support the development of guidance and procedures for the continuation of this work beyond the project end, further supported through series of workshops and discussions on community-led heritage protection.
• Preservation and revival of Maithil women’s wall painting and sculpting arts The project focuses on Maithil women’s paintings and mud art heritage, which is a form of earthen architecture used to decorate mud houses with symbolic imagery that represents religious tradition of the Maithil community. Maithil women have great pride in their traditions, as this skill was traditionally passed down from mothers to daughters, upheld by women for centuries through art on walls of their mud houses. The drought has led to limited sources of income, and women’s role in society has been limited to taking care of their households while men seek employment abroad, which has led to their artistic skills and heritage to be unpractised and forgotten. Training local women in Maithil painting and mud work will ensure local people have developed skills to protect the heritage and practice the unique craft of Maithil tradition. The interviews with elderly Maithil artisans will allow local communities to better understand and value their cultural heritage. By decorating the houses in Kuwa village, using the acquired Maithil artwork tradition, local communities will play an active role in protecting their cultural heritage through training and practice – and the local area is enhanced for the benefit of communities and visitors.
Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) and the British Council have awarded 13 EARTH Scholarships to early-career researchers from 10 countries including France, Switzerland, India, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The scholars are currently undertaking their exchanges at Scottish Universities and will be here for up to 3-months working in environmental arts and humanities.
During the exchanges, recipients will come together alongside Scotland-based PhD scholars to network, collaborate, and build connections.
THIRTEEN early-career researchers from 10 nations, including India, France, South Africa, and the United States, have been awarded the EARTH Scholarships by the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) and the British Council.
These scholars are currently immersed in an induction with Universities across Scotland, meeting their peers and delving into the intersection of environmental arts and humanities.
Over the next two weeks, the scholars are visiting key projects right across Scotland, from archaeology practice in Glencoe to engaging in artistic practice workshops at Talbot Rice gallery in Edinburgh.
The EARTH Scholars will go on to collaborate with Scotland-based PhD scholars, fostering a vibrant and growing global network. In its second year, the EARTH Scholarships have been designed to confront the climate emergency from a new angle, encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations with a focus on environmental sustainability themes and the interventions of the arts and humanities.
This year their PhD research spans topics at the intersection of arts, culture, and environmental issues, from eco-archaeology and re-wilding in Scotland and around the world, to marine governance, human rights, and climate refugees, and even AI governance and environmental sustainability.
Last week, the EARTH Scholars were in Glencoe and have been sharing their excitement about the induction weeks:
Aphiwe Moshani is a PhD candidate from South Africa based at the University of Cape Town, her research centres on ocean governance, and researching oceanic and coastal conflicts. For the next few months, she will collaborate with Scotland-based peers at the University of Strathclyde.
Aphiwe says:“Being part of the Earth Scholarships Programme has been an amazing journey. Getting to tour otherwise out-of-reach locations in the Highlands with a really thoughtful group is an experience that’s opened me up to a much deeper understandings of the environment and humanity.
“My excitement for my research has been reignited through this opportunity!”
Gala Morris, originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, is one of the Scotland- cohort based at the University of Glasgow. Gala is an early career archaeology scholar researching rewilding and the historic environment.
She adds: “The Earth Scholarships Programme has been spectacular so far. Each member of the cohort brings such a unique perspective, and our discussions on topics across the environmental humanities have been so inspiring. The programme has been incredibly enriching, and I feel very lucky to be involved!”
Professor Claire Squires Director, Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities welcomed the EARTH scholars saying:“We are thrilled to kick off the EARTH scholarships for the second year and to welcome this exceptional cohort of global scholars to collaborate with researchers from Scotland’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
“By bringing together this diverse group of scholars, we can share best practices and develop culturally informed solutions through the lens of the arts and humanities”.
Peter Brown, Director of British Council Scotland, who helped fund the programme added: “International collaboration and exchange of knowledge are crucial for tackling the global climate emergency, and we are proud to partner with SGSAH on this innovative programme.
“It’s great to see the scholars coming together to develop new environmental perspectives and creative interventions that will resonate across cultures and communities worldwide”.
The EARTH Scholars are here in Scotland to harness the power of arts and humanities to drive awareness, shift perceptions, and inspire solutions to global environmental challenges.
A key legacy of the British Council’s work at COP26 in Glasgow, the programme continues the British Council’s work building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas.
Starcatchers, Scotland’s arts and early years organisation based in Wester Hailes, have travelled to France this week to present their acclaimed co-production with SUPERFAN, “Little Top” at Les p’tites tommettes festival in Creil, France.
The show launches the Scottish showcase for the British Council’s UK-France, ‘Together We Imagine’, Spotlight on Culture, which is building artistic collaborations and celebrating the cultural links between the UK and France throughout this year.
Set in a specially designed ‘little top’ circus tent the show is designed to create a magical first circus experience for babies aged 0-18 months. At a time in their development when young children are discovering their own physicality, and the pleasures and perils of gravity, Little Top invites babies to experience all the fun of the circus.
Rhona Matheson, CEO of Starcatchers, is delighted to bring Little Top to France: “Little Top will transport you to a playful, joyous, upside down, topsy-turvy world where people can fly, patterns fill the air, and anything is possible.
“We are excited to present our award-winning show, a co-production with SUPERFAN, at Festival Premières Rencontres.”
The festival appearance strengthens Starcatchers’ partnership with French arts company Compagnie ACTA, following their recent Erasmus+ collaboration exploring topics around artistic awakening in early childhood.
The two organisations have already collaborated to share research findings and exchange best practices in arts for early years. Starcatchers and Compagnie ACTA presented research at PREMIERES RENCONTRES festival 2024’s European Forum in March. The Early Childhood Principles were developed by Starcatchers, Compagnie ACTA, 2turvenhoog and LaSala Teatre.
Rhona Mathesoncontinues: “We are very grateful to the British Council’s UK-France Spotlight Fund for this invaluable opportunity to strengthen our international connections.
“It’s a huge privilege to showcase Scottish work on this platform as we deepen our understanding of what artistic experiences can mean for very young audiences.”
Starcatchers is one of six Scottish-based awardees to receive over £100,000 in funding from the Spotlight on Culture Fund programme, funded with partners including Creative Scotland and the National Lottery.
Their festival presentation is part of a wider celebration of UK-France cultural partnerships happening throughout 2024, coinciding with major events like the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Norah Campbell, Head of Arts, British Council Scotland added:“What a wonderful opportunity for very young children to experience the magic of physical theatre for the first time. An excellent example of how through cultural exchange, artists can come together to share groundbreaking research and performance.
“We’re proud to help bring this innovative work to France, a fabulous start to the UK-France Cultural spotlight activity for this year.
“All the projects are now helping to maintain vital links between Scotland and France, and creatives across both countries are coming together to connect, collaborate and form lasting relationships.”
