Trinity welcomes Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf

Posted on: 27 November 2023

Mr Yousaf greeted the Scottish gathering with a "Dia dhaoibh" and went on to talk about how vital the friendship was between Scotland and Ireland, noting that 23,000 Irish citizens live in Scotland. 

Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf was welcomed to Trinity last week for a St Andrew’s Day celebration in the Long Room of the Old Library. 

Provost Dr Linda Doyle and Librarian Helen Shenton greeted the First Minister in the Library, where 200 guests were gathered for the event, welcomed by bagpiper Fergus McLeod (below). 

Bagpipers outside the book of kells

Mr Yousaf greeted the gathering with a "Dia dhaoibh" and went on to talk about how vital the friendship was between Scotland and Ireland, noting that 23,000 Irish citizens live in Scotland. 

"The modern Ireland often gives us inspiration as a model of success for Scotland's future," he said, as he mentioned the role both countries will play in renewable energy for Europe. He added of the climate challenge: "We must strive to work together to challenge the greatest existential threat our planet faces."

Humza Yousaf signs visitors book

Above: Humza Yousaf signs the Book of Kells visitors' book, flanked by Librarian Helen Shenton (left) and Provost Dr Linda Doyle

Glasgow-born Humza Yousaf was appointed First Minister in March 2023. He was elected as an MSP for the Glasgow region in May 2011, and to the constituency of Glasgow Pollok since 2016. He has held a number of ministerial positions in the Scottish Government since 2012, and joined cabinet in June 2018 as Cabinet Secretary for Justice. 

He was appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in May 2021. 

St Andrews Day, which celebrates Scotland’s patron saint, is mainly celebrated on November 30th 

Media Contact:

Catherine O’Mahony | Media Relations | catherine.omahony@tcd.ie