Date: 04 Nov 2025
Explore the Broader Story Behind Donegal’s Migration to Scotland
As part of the acclaimed ‘Working Over By: Donegal Emigrant Working Lives in Scotland’ exhibition, the Culture Division of Donegal County Council will host a special public talk exploring the nature of migration between County Donegal and Scotland in the County Museum, High Road, Letterkenny on Thursday, 13 November at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served.
Dr. Liam Campbell and Dr. Paddy Fitzgerald from the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies will present an illustrated talk entitled ‘Working Over By - The Broader Context’ that explores the wider history of the ‘special relationship’ between Donegal and Scotland. The guest speakers will review patterns of migration in both directions across the Narrow Sea since the Mesolithic period, tracing the deep roots of movement, exchange and connection between the two places. Their talk will link the personal stories featured in the exhibition to the broader historical forces that have shaped migration and identity across centuries.
Dr. Liam Campbell is Director of the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies and has published and lectured widely on heritage and environmental issues, especially in Ireland, Scotland and America. Dr. Paddy Fitzgerald is Head of Research and Development at the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies and has undertaken extensive research on the nature of migration. He is co-author, with Dr. Brian Lambkin, of ‘Migration in Irish History, 1607-2007’ .
On the evening, people will also be able to view the ‘Working Over By: Donegal Emigrant Working Lives in Scotland 1940-1990’ exhibition. Copies of the accompanying 104-page ‘Working Over By’ exhibition booklet and the new ‘Glasgow Corporation Transport & The Donegal Connection’ booklet will be available free-of-charge at the event too. The ‘Working Over By’ exhibition is a major collaboration between Donegal County Council’s Culture Division and the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies as part of the implementation of the County Donegal Heritage Plan and is funded by The Heritage Council and Donegal County Council.
