Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr. Gary Doherty has welcomed the opportunity to engage with President Catherine Connolly during her recent visit to Scotland, where she visited the acclaimed ‘Working Over By: Donegal Emigrant Working Lives in Scotland 1940-1990’ exhibition in Glasgow. The exhibition highlights the stories, experiences and enduring legacy of generations of Donegal people who travelled to Scotland in search of work and opportunity.
The Cathaoirleach said it was particularly encouraging to see President Connolly's strong interest in the role and contribution of the Donegal diaspora, and in the connections that continue to strengthen relationships between Donegal and Scotland.
During the visit, Cllr. Doherty also participated in a series of engagements with the Lord Provost of Glasgow, reflecting the close ties that exist between Donegal and Scotland and the significant opportunities for continued collaboration across cultural, economic and community development initiatives.
Cllr. Doherty expressed his appreciation to the Irish Consul General in Scotland, Jerry O'Donovan, and the wider team at the Irish Consulate in Edinburgh for their invitation and ongoing support.
“It was a tremendous honour to welcome President Connolly to the Working Over By exhibition and to have the opportunity to speak with her about the strong and lasting connection between Donegal and Scotland.
“So many Donegal people made their lives in Scotland, and them and their families remain an important part of our story today. I was particularly pleased by the President’s genuine interest in speaking to these people, hearing those stories and in recognising the contribution the Donegal diaspora continues to make.
“I also really valued the opportunity to meet with the Lord Provost and other civic representatives during the visit. There are already very strong links between Donegal and Scotland, but I believe there is plenty of scope for us to build on those relationships and find new ways of working together in the years ahead.
“I would also like to sincerely thank the Irish Consulate in Edinburgh for the invitation and for the work they continue to do in strengthening links between Donegal and Scotland. Their support for developing these connections is greatly appreciated.
“And finally, comhghairdeas to our own staff at Donegal County Council for helping to make the visit such a success, and for their continued work with colleagues in Glasgow City Council to strengthen the relationship between our two Councils and the communities we serve.”
The visit formed part of a wider programme celebrating the historic and continuing links between Donegal and Scotland, while recognising the significant contribution made by generations of Donegal people who built lives and communities across Scotland.
Photography Credit: Tony Maxwell
