Polish-Scottish Song Group

The Polish-Scottish Song Group was co-founded by Agnieszka Waszkiewicz and Professor Ian Russell in early 2011. Since then, the group has become a unique hub for cultural exchange between locals and city's largest foreign-born community. Its diverse members - representing Poland and Scotland, but also many other nationalities - have performed traditional Polish and Scots songs across the North-East.

The group is hosted and coordinated by the Elphinstone Institute in partnership with local community members.

Polish-Scottish Group members singing The group's principal aims are to:

foster cultural exchange and dialogue between Polish residents of Aberdeen and other residents (Scottish-born or otherwise) in the City and Shire;
continue the Elphinstone Institute's long-standing tradition of community engagement;
encourage two-way collaborations between the University and the wider North-East community.

Audio & Video

Related Research

Dancers, black and white image The Polish-Scottish Song and Story Group serves as a living link between the University of Aberdeen and the city's residents.

As such, it enriches not only the cultural environment of the city, but works as a catalyst for research at the university.

Recent research links include:

Professor Karin Friedrich (History): work with the Scottish Universities Insight Institute (SUII) and the UK-wide Being Human Festival;
Nicolas Le Bigre (Elphinstone Institute): current PhD research, and his completed MLitt dissertation, 'Polish Immigrant Narratives of the North-East of Scotland'.

Non-academic partnerships include:

the Scottish Storytelling Centre;
SHMU FM: Collective Compositions Project.

Contact Us

Man with guitar in foreground and woman with harp in background There is no formal process for joining the group. Simply come along to our next meeting and join us. All are welcome, Pole, Scot or otherwise, and there is no need for prior singing experience.

If you would like to be added to the group's mailing list, please e-mail group coordinator, Nicolas Le Bigre.

The group has been supported by the Consulate General of the Republic Of Poland, the Friends of the Elphinstone Institute, Scottish Culture and Traditions (SC&T), and the University of Aberdeen's Vice-Chancellor's office.