Homecoming Scotland

Post by **Ina** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 2:36 pm

Hi,

If anyone is planning a trip home to Scotland this year please be aware or the new law regarding volunteering.

I am a member of the Clan MacDougall Society here in the USA. Each year we give a scholarship grant to a graduating student. This year our student decided that she would like to do some volunteer work at the Homecoming Scotland events at Dunollie.

At the Edinburgh airport she was questioned, and when she said she was there to do volunteer work, they wanted to put her on the next plane to the USA. Luckily she was able to contact the Project Officer at Dunollie House in Oban who knew who to contact and get the problem solved.

Here is a note from Catherine, the Project Officer at Dunollie House in Oban, with some advice for anyone traveling to Scotland.

Dear Homecomer,

The Dunollie homecoming week is getting closer and many of you will be counting down to your departure.

There is an important change to border controls which you should be aware of.

We have just had to fight a battle royal to stop an American homecomer to Dunollie being turned back at Edinburgh Airport because she indicated she was here to help out as a volunteer.

Under new regulations anything that could be construed as work, either paid or unpaid (as a volunteer) will mean you are rejected at the border.

When you arrive, simply say 'I am here on vacation'. Do NOT say you will be helping out at a Clan stand at the Gathering, or pouring teas at Dunollie.

"I am here on vacation" is all you should say!! If pushed, say you will be attending some Homecoming events. Don't even say 'taking part in'.

Lots of people are getting caught by this and are being sent back on the next plane. You will be fine as you now know what to say!

Yours,
Catherine
........................................................
Catherine Gillies
Project Officer
Dunollie House
Oban

Regards,

Ina

daj · Post by **daj** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 2:48 pm

It's an interesting one -- on one hand you do not wish to be deemed a liar at border control as that can get you in even bigger trouble, however one wonders if our troops at immigration were taking things a little too far when the innocent girl disclosed her plans.

Alcluith · Post by **Alcluith** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 4:55 pm

Ina

This incident should go straight to Alex Salmond as he is the one who is promoting the Homecoming Event.

Then it should go to Our PM Gordon Brown but of course he is just a waste of space

regards

Drew

Post by **Ina** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:28 pm

Hi Drew,

I believe Alex Salmonds office knows about this. Catherine from the Donollie house was in touch with his office. Don't know if Brown even gives a darn!!

It's a pretty silly rule.......they want people to come to Scotland for this BIG event, but they don't want them to volunteer to help the folks in Scotland make it a memorable event.

Perhaps they are afraid that some illegals may enter the country using volunteering as an excuse........who knows!!!

Ina