Inaugural Summit strengthens unionist ties between Scotland and Northern Ireland

We were pleased to take part in the Inaugural, Shared Heritage, Shared Future Summit in Edinburgh today. A delegation of Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) representatives and the executive of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland met to discuss the valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange views and reaffirm the enduring friendship that exists between Unionists throughout the United Kingdom.

Speaking in Edinburgh Phillip Brett MLA said “Northern Ireland and Scotland share strong historic, cultural and family bonds dating back many centuries. Those connections have helped shape our communities, traditions and shared identity, and they remain as relevant today as they have ever been. It is important that we continue to celebrate this common heritage and build upon the close relationship between our two regions.

We are united by a shared commitment to the Union of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and by our belief that every part of the United Kingdom is stronger, safer and more prosperous when we work together. At a time when the Union faces challenges from a relentlessly aggressive political Nationalism, closer cooperation between Unionists in Northern Ireland and Scotland is both necessary and welcome.

We place on record our sincere appreciation for the work of Dr Marie Macklin CBE in facilitating these important engagements. Her genuine passion for the United Kingdom, together with her commitment to bringing people together and strengthening relationships across the Union, has been evident throughout. Her efforts have created valuable opportunities for constructive discussion and lasting cooperation.

We were delighted to accept the invitation to attend this event, and the DUP will continue to engage positively with Unionists and civic leaders across Scotland and elsewhere in the United Kingdom. By strengthening our friendships, sharing ideas and speaking confidently about the benefits of the Union, we can ensure that its positive case is heard clearly”.

Andrew Murray, Most Worthy Grand Master, Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland said “The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland welcomes the visitation of representatives of the Democratic Unionist Party to Scotland for what we believe is an important and timely dialogue about the future of our United Kingdom. We share a firm commitment to the Union and to making a positive case for the opportunities it provides to people and communities across Scotland, Northern Ireland and throughout the UK.

As the largest Unionist party in Northern Ireland, we look forward to the opportunity to meet and discuss with the DUP and in the future all other Unionist parties on their vision of Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England operating within a Union which has served us well for over 300 years.

We have achieved so much together and working together in the future we firmly believe we can achieve much more. 

We are grateful to Dr Marie Macklin CBE for chairing this inaugural Summit. Bringing people together around the table marked a significant step forward, and we hope this will be the beginning of a wider conversation about Scotland’s place within the Union and how we can work collaboratively in the years ahead.

As that conversation develops, we would welcome the opportunity to engage with the First Minister of Scotland and his Scottish Government. We wish to put on record an invite to John Swinney and his representatives to participate in future dialogue. 

We have watched over the months the debate on the future of the Union from the side lines noting that we are not the ones who have introduced Northern Irish Politics into the political arena in Scotland- that mould has already been set by the Scottish National Party.

We have a responsibility to our members at The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland who represent communities across Scotland, and we believe there is real value in ensuring their voices are heard and represented within the wider conversations, underpinned by our unwavering values of Faith, Hope and Charity.

We hope and pray that this engagement will prove fruitful and worthwhile to protect and maintain the Union that the majority of the people of our islands believe in.” 

Dr Marie Macklin CBE, Summit Chair, said: “I am honoured to have been asked to Chair the inaugural Shared Heritage Shared Future Summit. As someone who has lived and worked in Belfast, I understand the strength of the relationship between Scotland and Northern Ireland and the opportunities that can come from working more closely together.

At a time of significant economic challenge, the Summit will highlight the value of greater collaboration between Scotland and Northern Ireland, while ensuring the voices of our communities are heard. I look forward to seeing the relationships established develop and, importantly, lead to progress for all.”