The Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunities Committee is undertaing an inquiry into gypsy/traveller accommodation "to ensure that there are no barriers to Gypsy/Travellers accessing the services to which we are all entitled."

It has been 11 years since the parliament last undertook such an exercise. The recent figures show that there were 1,590 gypsy/travellers across Scotland.

“In 2001, our predecessor Equal Opportunities Committee held an inquiry looking into all aspects of Gypsy/Traveller life. Although the report contained many recommendations, we know there are still many issues," Committee Convener Mary Fee said.

“We’re aware that where Gypsy/Travellers live can often cause problems that other people may not have to face. Because there are such a range of experiences, we’re keen to hear not only from the people who provide services to Gypsy/Travellers, but also from Gypsy/Travellers themselves.

“By looking into, amongst other things, what it is like to find and live on a site, we hope that we can see what more needs to be done to ensure that there are no barriers to Gypsy/Travellers accessing the services to which we are all entitled.”

Related feature: Travellers' Blues.

Image Credit: The Courier