Scottish minister hails migrants' contribution to local society

Scottish Minister for International Development and Europe Alasdair Allan on Thursday hailed the contribution of migrants to the local Scottish society.

At an event of the Festival of Politics held inside the Scottish parliament, Allan said the Scottish government is making efforts to help the refugees who arrived in Scotland, and that Scotland needs the talents of the migrants.

Chaired by veteran Scottish politician George Reid, Allan and other panellists including Labour politician Iain Gray and Gary Christie, Head of Policy and Communications with the Scottish Refugee Council, shared their views with scores of participants on Scottish solutions to the refugee crisis and in which level the controversial refugee issues should be addressed.

With a central theme of The Architecture of Democracy, the three-day festival includes a series of events to look at what makes democracy tick with panels on the role of the media, special advisers and civil servants, and topical issues under the spotlight, such as the refugee crisis, the race to the White House and the effect of Britain's referendum on its European Union membership held on June 23, as well as exhibitions, film screenings, kids activities and music.

"From Brexit to Trump versus Clinton, the Festival of Politics is your opportunity to debate and discuss the big issues of the day," said the Scottish Parliament's Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh.

This year the festival covers a wide range topics from the refugee crisis, to art, neuroscience, music, journalism, sport and Minecraft game, Macintosh noted.

Getting its own platform in 2005, The Festival of Politics is now a main part of the latter stages of the summer season in Scotland. Enditem