Scottish Connections

Gypsies/Travellers

Gypsies/Travellers have been in Scotland for many centuries and, although some intermarriage with Gorjios (non-gypsies) has taken place, they still retain their own culture and customs.

The term 'Gypsy/Traveller' refers to distinct groups – such as Romany Gypsies, Scottish and Irish Travellers – who regard the travelling lifestyle as being part of their ethnic identity.

There are also other types of traveller, such as Occupational Travellers and New Age Travellers, distinct groups who do not regard themselves as Gypsies/Travellers.

It is thought that the Romany language originates from Sanskrit, which evolved in the Indian subcontinent.

Today, many Gypsies/Travellers are believed to have migrated from India through the Middle East, eastern, northern and central Europe and the Mediterranean, eventually reaching England, Scotland and Wales.

Not all Gypsies/Travellers have their roots in India. Many have Celtic origins. However the subject of provenance is much debated in Gypsy/Traveller communities. 

Around 1850, the Gypsy/Traveller population in Britain began to increase with many Irish Travellers working on the canals and railways, fleeing from the effects of the famine. Many also arrived after the Second World War due to difficult economic conditions in Ireland.

In Scotland today, many Gypsies/Travellers live on authorised council sites, while others live on private sites or roadside encampments. Access to health, education and social services can be difficult for Gypsies/Travellers.

The Scottish Government produces twice-yearly reports of the number of Gypsies/Travellers in Scotland. This is to assess the consistency or change in their patterns of use of different kinds of stopping places in the summer and winter seasons.

The Count has never been intended as a measure of the whole Gypsy/Traveller population in Scotland; there are practical difficulties in identifying families within permanent settled accommodation. But it does provide the Scottish Government and local authorities with a reference point for the development of policy and provision of services.

The January 2009 Count recorded a total of 497 Gypsy/Traveller households living on Council/Registered Social Landlord Sites (RSL) sites, private sites and unauthorised encampments in Scotland. This represents an estimated population of around 1,590 people, a small increase from the January 2008 population of 1,547 people. For more information on the January 2009 count please use attached link:


More information about Gypsies/Travellers can be found on the following pages (all links open in a new window):